MORE than �2,000 has been raised through a charity auction in memory of a talented young teacher.

MORE than �2,000 has been raised through a charity auction in memory of a talented young teacher.

All 40 pieces of art on sale at the auction in Christchurch Mansion at the weekend were sold. The event, which included an exhibition, was organised to raise money for The Kate Talmadge Travel Award, backed by The Evening Star, Suffolk County Council, the East of England Co-op, and Ipswich Hospital, which was launched in memory of 27-year-old Kate Talmadge, who died at her home in Capel St Mary in January.

The money raised from the auction on Sundaywill go towards allowing youngsters to travel to regional art galleries and international destinations as part of their studies.

A group of Kate's friends organised the exhibition of art pieces generously donated by local artists, including some of Kate's relatives.

Her father, Steve Talmadge, who teaches art at Westbourne Sports College, said: “It was very successful. We plan to do something similar next year and have art work on display, which has been done by teachers in Suffolk and Suffolk artists.”

Have you benefited from a charitable award? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.