An artist will auction off his painting of a top Northeast beach to raise funds for an air ambulance's service.

Philip Gray will partner with Clarendon Fine Art to boost funds for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) by launching multiple fundraising efforts.

The effort starts with the search for the best beach in the Northeast of England, which will be done through a public poll on social media.

Once decided, Mr Gray, whose mother was once rescued by an air ambulance, will paint the chosen beach featuring an iconic GNAAS helicopter.

Hexham Courant: Mr Gray, whose mother was once rescued by an air ambulance, will paint the chosen beach featuring

The painting will then be auctioned off for the charity at an event later this year.

Speaking about GNAAS, he said: "Their dedication to saving lives in some of the most challenging environments resonates deeply with me, especially knowing that my own mother was once rescued by an air ambulance.

"I'm honoured to lend my support to GNAAS and contribute to their life-saving mission through this partnership.”

GNAAS needs to raise £8.5 million annually for its life-saving services.

David Stockton, chief executive of GNAAS, said: "The support from Philip Gray and Clarendon is invaluable to us."

Jonathan Kelsey, head of marketing, brand and communications at Clarendon Fine Art, said: “With our galleries spread across the Northeast, partnering with GNAAS was a natural choice.

"We are honoured to launch this collaboration with Philip Gray and contribute to this essential service that saves lives every day."

Between March 22 and 24, Mr Gray will inaugurate his new collection at Clarendon’s galleries in the Northeast of England, with an opportunity to meet the artist and support GNAAS.