WE all have them - and sometimes they pop up at the most unexpected times.

"Gathering memories" is the theme of a new exhibition -but it's also a bid to raise money for charity.

Works of art made in memory of someone special - or in homage to a treasured time or place - are on display now at Southampton City Art Gallery.

And a silent auction in aid of charity will mean you could buy your very own piece of original art.

The unique pieces of work will be sold off to the highest bidder in aid of Alzheimer's Society.

Artist and former nurse Elizabeth Saunders has already raised £4,000 towards Alzheimer's research by asking for donations for her embroidery kits.

Now the unique pieces are on display in the gallery foyer, and are already up for grabs for anyone who wants to put in a bid.

As a follow-on to her own work made as part of her degree at Winchester School of Art, Elizabeth had the idea of putting kits together, selling them in aid of Alzheimer's research and asking people to reflect on their own memories.

Elizabeth's own piece tells the story of her own childhood. She said: "I was always climbing trees as a child. So my bike was always there under a tree somewhere. But then I had a spinal fusion and I couldn't climb anymore."

After working for 32 years as a nurse in and around Southampton, Elizabeth was forced to retire at the age of 54because of her health - but took the opportunity to do a degree in art at Winchester.

She said: "I think the project has a link to health and it is a link to my nursing career. It isn't about me - it's about how precious memories can be, how they twist and turn yet bounce back when least expected.

Pieces include work by 90 year old Jan Messent - an embroidery specialist whose books are renowned in the textile world - and works in memory of loved ones or childhood holidays.

They are already up for auction now via the project website with all proceeds going toward the Alzheimer's Society.

All bidding closes at midnight on September 30 with winners announced by October 31.