The charity Parity for Disability is trying to track down the mystery artist of a painting it is selling.

The organisation is holding a fundraising auction in Aldershot in October and one of the main attractions is the broody painting of a ship weathering a storm.

The painting was given to Parity’s charity shop in Linkway Parade, Fleet, and has no clue to its originator on it except for an enigmatic, but unclear, signature in the bottom left-hand corner.

Parity took the painting to an art dealer who told the charity that it was worth between £150 and £250, but could offer no further clue as to the painter’s identity.

A spokeswoman for Parity said that the painting looked as though it had been auctioned before, as there are what appear to be auction house numbers stapled to the back.

The charity has turned to the public to help it solve the mystery, and has asked anyone who recognises the painting or the style of the painting to call it.

As well as the unidentified artist, a number of celebrities, such as Dame Judy Dench, Ben Kingsley and Ian Botham, have donated signed items for the auction.

Parity also has a private flight to France for lunch, a licensed David Beckham Training Academy tracksuit and Ascot tickets ready to go under the hammer at the auction.

"Quality of life"

The charity is hoping to raise around £3,000 to help fund its work providing services, information and support for children with severe disabilities.

A spokeswoman for Parity described the work it does in the community: “We provide help for people with severe disabilities.

“Our aim is for them to have the same quality of life as the rest of us and to help them work towards their goals.

“We also provide them with the therapies that they need.”

Parity for Disability was founded in 1953 under the name North Hants and West Surrey Spastics Society Group.

The organisation has offices in Whetstone Road, Cove, and another based at St Martin’s Church in Camberley.

It also runs a music therapy service that operates both on-site and in homes, schools and other locations throughout the area.

Although the organisation receives money from councils it still needs to raise around £120,000 a year from companies, trusts and donations to fund its services.

It is also in the process of launching a £2million capital appeal for its own dedicated facility.

The auction is being held at the Army Golf Club off Laffan’s Road in Aldershot on Friday, October 10. It starts at 7pm and tickets cost £15. For tickets or more information call Parity on 01252 375581.