Following the destructive vandalism at Eglwys y Grog in Mwnt, a local artist has contributed one of his sought-after originals of the church to the local appeal for funds to rescue and restore the ancient building.

Wynne Melville Jones an artist who specialises in paintings of familiar images of West Wales works from a studio at his home in Llandre in north Ceredigion and hopes his contribution of an artwork to the appeal will be an added boost to save and reopen the church as soon as possible.

The picture is framed and painted on canvas measuring 30x25cm and is one of a series of works by Wynne depicting the iconic church and is now on offer and open to bids until the end of January.

Wynne said: “The aim is to help local fundraisers to reach the target as soon as possible in order to complete the repair work in the interest of both the worshipers and visitors.

“I’ve been a regular visitor to Mwnt over the years and rescent visits have inspired me to paint and record each visit and my aim in all pictiures is to catchn the unique mood and the secret charm and the deep feeling of history that is a feature of the location.

The simpliicity of the old Building with its white-washed walls against a backdrop of the deep colours of Cardigan Bay is a strong image and is carved into ones Memory forever even after one visit

“It is one of the strongest Welsh images we have in Ceredigion

“I, just like so many other peple are deeply shocked to hear news of the destruction and vandalism at Mwnt especially during this fragile and uncertain pandemic.

“It is devastating that there are people who cannot see the richness of culture and respect the wealth of history respond in such a distructive and pointless way”, said Wynne

This appeal is organised on social media and is open to all.

To make an offer, email [email protected]

The iconic church, which is thought to date back to the 13th or 14th Century, was vandalised twice in December, with windows smashed and the inside of the church being ransacked.

Damage was also been caused to the gated entrance to the isolated Grade I listed church.

To date, a Justgiving page has raised a magnificent £27,888 towards the restoration of the iconic church. Cllr Clive Davies, who set up the page, said last week he was ‘humbled’ by the response.

He added: “Future security sadly is also something we will be discussing and again thank you for the numerous suggestions and support. This peaceful church which many use it for quiet contemplation , it needs to be open but kept safe. Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that they are investigating and a spokesperson said: “We received a report of a break in and criminal damage at Holy Cross, Mwnt, on Tuesday, 21 December.

“It could have happened sometime between the evening of Saturday, 18 December, and the morning of Tuesday, 21 December. “Among the damage was broken windows.”