THOUSANDS of pounds was raised for charity at the 40th annual Clarkston Christian Aid Arts Festival at the weekend.

Kind-hearted art lovers headed along to the Carmichael Hall, in Giffnock, in the hope of grabbing a bargain and a gab while helping to support the worldwide charity.

Over 80 paintings were sold on the day and there was plenty on offer for everyone who turned up.

Les Donaghy was crowned the winner for his work, Daisy Coo, and was presented with his prize by the Reverend Scott Blythe.

And the art lovers dug deep on the day, raising around £8,000 for Christian Aid, which works with local partners and communities to fight injustice, respond to humanitarian emergencies, campaign for change and help people claim the services and rights they are entitled to.

Myrtle McGregor, who has helped to organise the event ever since it began in 1979, was delighted to see people turn out to support the great cause.

She told the Barrhead News: “The artists always really enjoy it and see it as a great chance to exhibit their work.

“Christian Aid supports people of all faiths and none, which is really important.

“The festival is arranged by a number of different denominations and is a great ecumenical event.

“People come along who don’t even buy the art but they get to enjoy the really great social aspect of it.

“We are already looking forward to next year.”