STRIKING pictures of lighthouses designed for a spectacular arts festival are being auctioned off to raise funds for next year’s event.

Each of the six unique lighthouses were displayed around the town as part of the Harwich Festival 2015, and were painted by artists from the area.

All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope addressed to 454 Main Road, Dovercourt, along with the name of the lighthouse you are bidding on and contact details.

The deadline for bids is at midnight on Friday August 28.

Festival administrator Michael Offord said: “The lighthouses were very much a central theme of the festival and could be seen at the pop-up shop, 1912 Centre, the Swan House Gallery and the Old Bank.

“They are all such fantastic pieces of work and leave a wonderful legacy of the festival."

He added that all proceeds would contribute to the general running costs in the lead-up to Harwich Festival 2016.

Among the artists who have designed lighthouses is former festival director Diana Burrell. The highest bidders will be contacted on Monday.

For full details, visit harwichfestival.co.uk/news /art/harwich-festival-toauction-festival-lighthouses