A COLLECTION of original paintings by one of the region’s best loved artists is to go under the hammer at auction.

Works by Mackenzie Thorpe, who comes from Middlesbrough, are to be sold by auctioneers Addisons, of Barnard Castle.

He left school at 15 without any qualifications and took up a manual job in the local shipyards.

He attended art college, in Middlesbrough, before heading to the Byam Shaw School, in London.

His works appear in galleries around the world and the paintings in the auction are set to reach prices from £1,800-£7,000.

David Elstob, auctioneer and valuer at Addisons, said: "We are very privileged to be able to offer such a large number of Mackenzie Thorpe’s paintings for sale.

"His work is currently amongst the most sought after in the UK and his reputation as an artist continues to grow worldwide on an unprecedented scale.

"However, it is Mackenzie Thorpe’s close association with this region that will generate interest locally."

The sale starts at 11am on Saturday, December 3 and bids can be made in person, on-line or by phone.

The contents of the sale can be viewed on Thursday, December 1 between 10am-7pm and Friday, December 2 between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

They will also be on show from 8am on the morning of the sale or at www.addisons-auctioneers.co.uk.

For further details contact Addisons on 01833-690545 or email enquiries@addisons-auctioneers.co.uk.