A CEREDIGION artist has donated one of his sought-after originals of Mwnt Church to the fund-raising appeal to restore the ancient building after it was targeted by vandals.

Wynne Melville Jones - often known as Wyn Mel - said he hoped his contribution would help towards the re-opening of the Church of The Holy Cross as soon as possible.

Framed and painted on canvas measuring 30x25cm and valued professionally at £395, the painting was opened to bids last month.

The highest bid of £895 came from Carys James, of Stepside Agricultural Contractors and Lorries, Cardigan, who now becomes the proud owner of the artwork.

“I would like to thank Carys James and all the other bidders for supporting this appeal,” said Llandre-based Wynne, who specialises in paintings of familiar images of west Wales works from his north Ceredigion studio.

“I’ve been a regular visitor to Mwnt over the years and recent visits have inspired me to paint and record each visit.

“My aim in all pictures is to catch the unique sacred mood, secret charm and deep feeling of history that is a feature of the location.

“The simpliicity of the old building and the white-washed walls against a backdrop of the deep colours of Cardigan Bay is a strong image and is carved into one’s memory forever even after one visit.

“It is one of the strongest Welsh images we have in Ceredigion.

“I, just like so many other people, was shocked to hear news of the destruction and vandalism at Mwnt.

“It is so sad that there are people who cannot appreciate the culture and wealth of history of this beautiful corner of Ceredigion.”