Artwork is to be auctioned to raise money for charity Reclaim, which helps adults with learning difficulties gain work experience in recycling plastics.

Artworks produced by seven artists will be sold off in a silent auction at the Bradbury and Blanchard (B&B) art gallery in Sheffield’s city centre during an exhibition of the work. Artists include Sheffield illustrator Kid Acne, Spanish artist Ana Castillo, and Florence Blanchard from France. The exhibition will also include artworks specially created by Reclaimservice users.

The auction, to be held next week, has been arranged to raise funds to help rebuild Reclaim’s plastics factory in Attercliffe, Sheffield, which was 'badly damaged' in a fire on 14 July.

Around 25 disabled adult trainees, who met on site to sort and recycle plastic, and ‘learn life skills’, were left without a workplace after the fire ‘accidentally’ began in a neighbouring yard, according to South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (SYFRS).

The charity’s office on Worthing Road was the only building to survive the fire, but was reportedly targeted by burglars, who stole a laptop and donated tools, days later.

Speaking of the auction, Activity Centre Manager at Reclaim, Liz Carrington, said: “The aim of the event is to give our trainees something to focus on. At Reclaim, we strive to help give our service users a sense of belonging and purpose in life.

“We are only a small charity, and the fire – which started elsewhere and spread to our site – has devastated our ability to operate properly. Our resources are severely hit and we are in desperate need of any donations, however small, that people may be able to spare.

“We are making the most of a bad situation.”

The exhibition, called Over The Rainbow, will be on view on Saturday 28 September and Sunday 29 September at the B&B gallery, from 2.30 to 6.30pm.