A PAINTING depicting Christ is being auctioned to raise funds for the renovation of Grimethorpe Church.
Shafton man, Steve Hemingway has been crafting his work for two months and presented it to St Luke’s Church at the service on Sunday.
It will be sold to the highest bidder over the period of St Lukestide in October and a bid of £500 has already been made.
Father Peter Needham said: "I thought how can this help us and I thought of the fund which is in much need of income.
“Somebody bid £150 and then £180. I was thrilled to bits with that. I was a bit shocked when someone said £500 because that is a lot of money.
“Obviously, it must have had a big impression on them but it is a powerful in-your-face painting.”
Steve, 36, of Toll Gate Close, is not a member of the church but is an art enthusiast and heard of what Father Peter was trying to do for the church.
He said: “I finished work because my son, Joseph, is severely autistic and now I have a more structured time to do my art work.
“I moved to Shafton five years ago and this was always a piece of work I was going to attempt. I asked around and Father Peter’s name came back and I thought I would do it for that."
