A Blackburn charity is hoping to raise money by selling a painting created by an award-winning local artist.
Secret Santa, which is based below the Clock Tower on King William Street, helps underprivileged people in Blackburn with Darwen.
The charity has expanded from providing Christmas presents to children to becoming a lifeline for people of all ages and backgrounds and now supports families during Eid, distributes Easter eggs, helps with period poverty, sources prom wear for school leavers, brings lonely people together, organises food and meals for those in need, and more.
In order to raise some much-needed funds, the charity is holding an auction and giving the public a chance to win an award-winning painting from a local artist.
‘Th’Owd Gam Cock William Henry Hornby’ was created by Carole Pugh, a Blackburn woman who has created dozens of award-winning artworks during her retirement.
This painting focuses on William Hornby who was the first mayor of Blackburn, an industrialist and a politician.
His nickname arose out of being well loved by the local townsfolk and those that he employed, and given in real old Lancashire dialect.
The painting was produced over six hours by Carole as part of ‘Paint The Town’ and it won twice.
It came third in the judges vote and was given the first place prize in the people’s choice vote. And now she had donated it to Secret Santa to be auctioned.
Carole adds "I probably wouldn’t have noticed him but due to Covid, the Mall was closed so I did a detour past the town hall. And I loved the way he seemed to be towering over the buildings"
Carole said: “I decided to paint William Henry Hornby’s statue when due to covid and the Mall’ s late opening I took a detour around the town hall.
“The position of William towering over the buildings just inspired me to paint him.
“I have entered Paint Blackburn since it began six years ago, I won first last year and I was really pleased to win third this year and also to win most votes for the people’s choice award.
“Secret Santa is a wonderful charity for underprivileged children. So I hope this painting will raise some money for this well-deserved cause.”
Phil Boulding, managing director of Secret Santa, said: “You are a wonderful supporter of Secret Santa and this should help us provide many sacks of presents for the most vulnerable children in Blackburn and Darwen.”
The auction will end on 31st October and the reserve will be announced once reached.
If you would like to bid on the painting please contact Phil Boulding of Secret Santa CIC on 07866 566166 or email: Phil@SecretSanta.Ltd.
Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...
You can follow the Lancashire Telegraph on social media, by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Lancashire Family page
If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters
Gain unlimited access to the Lancashire Telegraph website with a premium digital subscription - we are running a £2 for two months special offer
Or if you want the Telegraph newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227
Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact our newsdesk at lancsnews@nqnw.co.uk or by using our online contribution form
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here