AN autistic man has taken up painting during lockdown and is holding a silent auction to raise money.

Leo Bennett has created a series of watercolour and pen animal portraits which he will be auctioning off in aid of The Monday Night Club, a social club for adults with learning disabilities and autism.

Leo has been attending the club for four years and he has found it has provided friendship and support.

During the Covid-19 pandemic the club has been unable to hold their weekly gatherings at Worcester Arts Workshop and their members are missing the social highlight of their week.

It is a lonely period for people who are already socially isolated and keeping everyone upbeat is challenging for the club’s volunteers.

Like many other charities they have been unable to carry on with their fundraising activities but are continuing to support their members when they need it most.

If you would like to bid on Leo’s pictures find Leo’s Lockdown Art Auction for The Monday Night Club on Facebook, or follow the link from The Monday Nite Club Facebook page.

Leo’s Silent Art Auction will end at midnight on May 24.

You can find out more about The Monday Night Club on their website, YouTube channel, Twitter or Facebook pages.

In normal times you can join in the fun every Monday at Worcester Arts Workshop, from 7pm – 9.30pm. Visit themondaynightclub.org.uk or call 07973 788029 for more information.

The club was founded in 2011 by Laura Gill (who has a learning disability and autism herself) so that she could meet her friends and have some fun.

The Monday Night Club is a registered charity, and Laura has received several prestigious awards for founding the club, including a Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award.