From the Bristol Evening Post
A Picture worth hundreds of pounds is being sold in aid of Avon Valley Railway. The image, a highly detailed drawing of a Polish locomotive, is the work of artist Geoff Bounds, a friend of one of the group's members.
Bill Miller, Avon Valley Railway's commercial services manager, said: "When he heard of our development appeal, Geoff offered to donate one of his drawings.
"This particular one took him around 200 hours to complete and it's a gem. Whoever buys it will be helping the railway and have something valuable and beautiful in return."
The picture up for auction is a 20in by 30in framed original drawing of a mixed traffic PT47 class - PT47-65 - standing on the turntable at Wolsztyn in Poland.
It is valued at more than ú750 and is being auctioned by sealed bid.
Mr Miller said: "The Avon Valley Railway has a relationship with Poland in a couple of ways.
"One of our resident locomotives is a 'TKh' 0-6-0T named Karel, built in Poland in 1952 by Chrzanow.
"Originally running at a steelworks in Ostrowiec, it was brought to Britain in 1991. Visitors during the next few weeks will see it hard at work pulling trains on a regular basis.
"We also have a very vibrant Polish community in this area and hold a Polish Day every year to bring the engine and the people together."
The drawing carries a reserve price of ú600.
Anyone interested in entering a bid can, if they wish, arrange an appointment to see the picture by calling the station on 932 5538. Bids should send it to the Avon Valley Railway, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6HD to arrive not later than August 20. In the case of a tie, those involved will be invited to re-bid.