A HOMELESS West Wight artist is to auction a stunning 5ft 7in carving of a narwhal tusk to raise money for local charities supporting vulnerable people during the Covid-19 pandemic.

David Wallace, whose work will be shown at the Royal Academy of Arts’ Summer Exhibition this autumn, spent two months carving the tusk from a fallen oak branch found at Fort Victoria, Yarmouth.

All proceeds from the auction will be split between the West Wight Coronavirus Support Hub and the Our Place Community Café, both based at West Wight Sports and Community Centre.

The team has assisted approximately 400 people suffering hardship as a result of the pandemic, including David, by supplying hot meals, collecting medicines, shopping, providing transport and even offering a friendly chat.

Brading-based HRD Auction Rooms has provided its online auction platform commission-free for the sale, which is to take place on July 15.

David said: "It's my way of saying thank you to the hub for all they have done to support me, and so many others, at this time. The volunteers have been amazing."

As previously reported, David became a popular figure at Fort Victoria two years ago when he spent the summer months carving a fallen tree on the beach with real and mythical sea creatures. Unfortunately, his work was sawn off and stolen just after it was finished.

He has since carved another tree which is currently on display in front of the fort.

Earlier this year, the Academy selected another of his works, a pair of crutches which he carved while teaching his craft at the Riverside Centre in Newport, for its delayed exhibition.

The crutches helped David out of the wheelchair that he had been using since suffering a serious motorcycle accident in his youth.

Details of the auction can be found on HRD Auction Rooms’ website. The listing will appear online one week before the auction at the-salesroom.com, and bids can be placed via telephone, live at the auction, and online.