A WORLE artist has handed over the rights to a sketch of the Weston Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crew so they can sell prints to boost the charity’s finances.

Army veteran Malcolm Cleverley, who retired just over a year ago, has spent his time honing his love of drawing, creating artworks and commissions of military themes.

When he saw photos of Weston RNLI’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat in action, he was inspired to create something new.

Malcolm, a retired tank commander, said: “I initially drew the lifeboat purely as an exercise then, thought I’d pop something positive on the Facebook page for Weston Super Mare.

“I’m most impressed [by] how much interest the picture has generated; it’s had over 400 likes.”

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When Malcolm posted a picture of his art on the Weston-super-Mare in the Spotlight Facebook page, he was inundated with requests from people who wanted to purchase prints.

He usually sells his sketches and takes on commissions via his website www.malcyart.co.uk, but in this case he decided to hand over the copyright to the RNLI for them to sell copies.

Malcolm said: “I’ve been involved with a few military-connected organisations and charities. I do lots of artworks, which I sell on my website, but I get a buzz from ‘giving back’ to worthy causes.

“I’ll continue to sketch a library of free pictures for use by the RNLI charity here at Weston.”

A close up of the art Picture: RNLI/Holly Turner

The Weston volunteer lifeboat crew provides a 24-hour search and rescue service 365 days a year along the North Somerset coastline, but none of this would be possible without the support of the public and their donations.

Any profit raised from sales of the picture will go directly to Weston-super-Mare RNLI.

The Weston RNLI team invited Malcolm down to watch a routine Sunday training session and formally hand over his artwork to the crew.

Den Pope, a member of the boat crew and former serviceman who served in the King’s Royal Hussars said: “It was great to meet Malcolm and introduce him to volunteer crew at the station.

“It’s a brilliant painting and we are really grateful he has kindly donated it to us to help with vital fundraising activities.

“Without donations we would not have the resources we need to continue to save lives at sea.

“I’m sure lots of the crew and hopefully people visiting our RNLI shop will be buying prints.”

Those wanting to purchase a mounted or framed A4/A3 print of Malcolm’s picture are asked to contact Holly Turner, the lifeboat press officer, by calling 07930 279912 or emailing holly_turner2@rnli.org.uk.

Alternatively, pop into the RNLI Shop, The Cove, by Marine Lake.

Prices will range from £15 to £45.