Tom Dack is one of a hundred north east artists and photographers who have contributed work to the auction, which will be conducted on behalf of the appeal by John Anderson of auctioneers Anderson & Garland.

John said: "Tom's work is already familiar to us through our regular fine art auctions and his large watercolour for Sunday's sale – We're Gaining on Them – is one of his best.

"It pictures a yachting scene early last century in which one of the competitors is congratulating his crew on their efforts to win, and captures all the movement and atmosphere of the occasion."

From his Whitley Bay home, Tom said: "I was delighted when the organisers of the appeal approached me to donate one of my pictures, and hope that the figure it realises will contribute significantly to a very worthwhile cause."

The auction can be previewed this Saturday, October 4, from 10am to 4pm and Sunday, October 5, from 11am to 4pm.

Admission to the auction is free and will start at 7pm at the Art Works Galleries, Ouseburn, Newcastle.