Art lovers will be able to bid for a poppy oil painting commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

The picture was thought up and created by artist Linda Mellor, from St Margaret's Drive in Sprowston, who is exhibiting at the Red Lion restaurant in Cromer from Monday December 8 until Saturday December 13.

Money raised from the painting auction will go towards Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.

The Spectrum art exhibition will feature about 25 other paintings, including the war piece. Works will range from £25-£2,000.

Painting subjects include still life, landscapes, abstracts, impressionism vintage and modern.

It is the first time Mrs Mellor has exhibited in Cromer but she wants to exhibit more in north Norfolk in the future.

She said: 'I love Cromer so much. I love painting on the beach. I find Norfolk very inspirational, especially the sea. I love the sea.'

The free exhibition will be open from 10am-7pm and will include greeting cards and prints as well as paintings.

Mrs Mellor will be exhibiting art representing gardens and landscapes at East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden in March next year.

She also hopes to exhibit paintings based on dogs and their owners at Cromer next summer.

The artist will be taking part in an exhibition at the Forum, Norwich, in October next year about Norfolk's

war heroine Edith Cavell.