Exmouth Art Group presented a cheque for �1,200 to Hospiscare in memory of one of their members at the group’s recent summer exhibition.

The club said the display of paintings, mosaics and 3-D work was a mixture of traditional and abstract, to quirky and contemporary – some with a touch of controversy.

A raffle held in aid of Exmouth and Lympstone Hospiscare, with first prize of a painting by the late Michael Tierney, was won by a family from Loughborough.

Exhibition organisers said it was a ‘poignant’ moment when Michael’s son, Shane, presented a cheque for �1,200 to Hospiscare’s John Hawkins.

A spokeswoman for the Exmouth Art Group hailed the exhibition a success, saying: “Members and visitors alike were clearly delighted to be back at the location which had, until recent years, been the established venue for the exhibition.

“The group welcomed more than 3000 visitors, local, national and international including from Australia and the USA.”

Club Secretary, Catherine Ager, said a comment in the visitors’ book summed up what was a unanimous feeling ‘Well done the organisers and of course the wonderful artists!’.

Judges Wendy and Howard Jones had the unenviable task of choosing three works of art for the Norah Pearse prizes.

A study by Jean Esther Brock called Moonlit Wood, Dartmoor, an acrylic by Averil Wootton entitled The Gorge, Iceland and an abstract piece Coffee Table by Leonard Fry, were named as the winners.

The judges also highlighted twelve entries for commendation.

Visitors were invited to vote for the exhibit which had given them most pleasure or interest.

The winner of the Channel View Cup was Lorna Porter for her painting Early Morning, Exeter Cathedral and Canal with Tranquil Waters by John Cowlishaw coming a close second.

The art group thanked Stuart Line Cruises for donating a birdwatching cruise along the Exe as the raffle’s second prize.