A SIGNED portrait of Ferenc Puskas, the Hungarian footballer famous for humbling England in the 1950s, is just one of the pictures due to be sold off at a fund-raising auction.

Other works that are likely to catch the eye include a signed portrait of Worcestershire and England cricketer Graeme Hick and a selection of risqu cartoons based on the Canterbury Tales.

They are all being sold in aid of Pershore Theatre Art Association's (PTAA) plan to convert the High Street's Number Eight into an arts centre. PTAA secretary Ray Steadman said the auction featured the work of more than 70 established and emerging artists. Notable local names include Pershore's Ann Winn and Tim Vivian, Evesham's Peter Hodge and Pat Pearce, who left Pershore to continue painting in Africa, as well as a host of others who exhibit work at Number Eight.

Mr Steadman said he hoped the auction will be a money-spinner, but said it will be worthwhile even if it only broke even.

"It's part of our ongoing mission to actively promote the arts in this area, so it's the sort of thing we need to do anyway. If it makes some money for Number Eight that's a bonus." And if it does make any money the local branch of HSBC has also pledged to match any profits pound for pound.

Although the PTAA received planing permission for its Number Eight scheme earlier this year it will not be starting work on converting Number Eight until it has raised the £1.25million needed to pay for the conversion.

So far there is just over £100,000 in the bank, but some of the capital expenditure, such as paying for the architect has already been accounted for and Pershore Town Council has pledged a further £100,000.

The PTAA is also looking for funding from other sources such as the National Lottery.

Pershore auctioneer Richard Williams will conduct the sale at Wychavon Civic Centre between 11am and 9pm on September 30 and from 9am until 11am on October 1. Catalogues, priced £4, are now available from Number Eight and for further information call 01386 561372.