Take That star Howard Donald has autographed a portrait of himself, painted by Bridport-based artist Elizabeth Sporne, especially for the upcoming charity auction 'Canvas for the Mac'.

The auction, devised as an annual fundraiser for the Macmillan Hospice in Christchurch, offers small canvasses that celebrities have signed, many of which are completed with artwork relating to their subjects.

Bridport artist Elizabeth Sporne with some of the portraits that will be exhibited at Athelhampton.

Elizabeth was approached by the charity when her 'music icon' series of portraits was noticed online. She willingly agreed to paint the singer, who was happy to support the campaign. He signed the pre-painted portrait when DJing at a club in Bournemouth on 24th September.

The autographed painting will be displayed during the first part of an exhibition of Elizabeth's portraits at Athelhampton House, near Dorchester, beginning 8th October and running until late in the year.

The artist's connection with Athelhampton began three years ago when the new owner of the historic house commissioned her to paint several Tudor-style portraits, which are now on permanent display at the venue. Elizabeth is now one of the first Athelhampton Artists with a solo show in its reopened gallery.

The Howard Donald portrait will be transferred to Christchurch for the launch of the charity auction in November, but the Athelhampton exhibition itself, entitled 'Modern Icons', may hold further surprises.

For further information go online to elizabethsporne.com or athelhampton.com, or see @canvasforthemac on social media.