By Leicester Mercury | Posted 15 March, 2012
A picture sent and signed by Aussie artist and entertainer Rolf Harris will feature in a school's charity art exhibition tomorrow.
Jackson Porter, a pupil from The Martin High School in Anstey, has organised the exhibition, which features work by pupils and staff.
Drawings have been done by people including head teacher Martin Furness, and the school's much-loved art teacher Roger Fairbrother, who has since passed away following his retirement in 1996.
All funds raised from the event will go to LOROS hospice.
Jackson, 14, said he was "shocked" and "astounded" when Rolf replied to a letter he wrote to him requesting a picture.
He said: "I was completely amazed. I wasn't sure what to expect when I wrote the letter but I hoped something would come of it and thankfully it did.
"It's brilliant to have a photo of Rolf signed by the man himself as part of the exhibition, although there's a lot to choose from including landscapes of Bradgate Park."
Jackson, a member of the school's children's council, said many pupils knew people who had been looked after by LOROS staff, including his own grandfather.
He said: "I've seen the work that staff do there and it's fantastic. This was our way of doing something for them.
"We hope to raise around £1,000 from the exhibition, but whatever the final amount is it will still be a bonus."
The exhibition will be open to parents and members of the public from 1.30pm to 3pm tomorrow when canapes will also be served to visitors.
Prices range from £3 to £200 with some pieces being sold at a fixed price and some to the highest bidder for a reserved amount.
They are also available to view via the school's website.
Mr Furness said: "Jackson and the school council have done a tremendous job of organising this event.
"We have over 120 pieces to choose from and they are of an extremely high standard.
"Jackson has wanted to do this for a while now and it's great to see it coming together. It's really shown what he's capable of and I'm sure this won't be the last we hear from this budding entrepreneur.
"The picture of Rolf was a huge boost to the exhibition but our former art teacher Roger Fairbrother was also a professional artist and this will be the last chance to buy one of his fine paintings."
