Auction invigilator Kim Conway, pictured inside Margate Harbour Arm Gallery (picture by Paul Dennis)

by Martin Jefferies

It was an art auction with a difference - as no-one knew what they were bidding for!

Around 100 postcard-sized prints, including one by Margate's celebrated artist Tracey Emin, went under the hammer at the Harbour Arm Gallery.

Bidders were able to examine the colourful works beforehand but were not told which artist was behind each painting until every lot had been sold.

Saturday's anonymous auction, which also featured work by Ramsgate-born BAFTA-winning actress Brenda Blethyn OBE, raised £7,000 for Nicole's Fund for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Emin's work - which was recognised by several art enthusiasts - fetched £500. It is believed to be the first time the 46-year-old Turner Prize nominee has exhibited work in her home town.

Nicole's Fund was set up by Nicole Dryburgh who was diagnosed with a rare form of the disease nine years ago.

The brave 20-year-old hopes to raise £100,000 to build a dedicated unit for young patients at The Royal Marsden Hospital, Surrey.