OVER £2,000 has been generated by an auction in Romsey.

Local artists and craftspeople donated over 50 items ranging from paintings to ceramics, jewellery and workshop tuition in order to raise funds for Rum’s Eg, the community interest company, in Bell Street.

The venture, which operates as a gallery with more than 20 volunteers, has lost valuable trade since Bell Street was closed for road works last September.

Rum’s Eg manager Rebecca Maddox said: “We are so thankful to all the supportive local residents who bought most of the work. It has certainly helped to plug a gap but of course we need to do much more.”

With this in mind the Rum’s Eg offering is evolving. There are plans to convert space within the building into studio workshops available to hire for an attractive price on a monthly basis.

“These spaces are going to be 10ft x 10ft and the hire charge will include wi-fi and all bills,” says Rebecca, adding that there has already been interest.