IT has been a year since the opening of Boscastle Artist’s Community Interest Company Gallery and meanwhile they have been collecting money for two local charities with the aid of ‘Grandad 400’, writes Helen Pusey.

Grandad as he is affectionately known, sits outside the gallery. He is the 400th sculpture to be made and designed by Richard Austin of Wadebridge. He welcomes all while enjoying 40 winks and has consequently raised £2,000.

Lesley Brough-Walker, one of the directors of the gallery, said: “This amount has far exceeded all our expectations and our thanks go to both the villagers and visitors alike who donate and also take photos.”

The money raised has been donated directly to Cornwall Air Ambulance and National Coastalwatch Boscastle.

Mrs Brough-Walker added: “Both of the charities that we support were initially chosen as being both personally and more widely vital and essential parts of life in Cornwall.”

Grandad has become quite a celebrity in his own right. He even has his own Facebook page where pictures can be uploaded by visitors posing with him.

He is pictured with his favourite autumn hat along with the crucial collecting tins.

Visit him on Facebook — ‘Grandad 400’.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week’s edition of the Post.