A TWO-week charity art exhibition has revealed a huge demand for a permanent display, the organiser has said.

The show, organised by city artist Chas Perrett, has reaped more than £5,000 for Acorns Children's Hospice Trust.

He is now calling for a full-time contemporary art display located by the riverside.

"It's interesting that people in the city are buying more contemporary work," said Mr Perrett.

"I hope the city council does recognise that there's a big demand for a permanent arts venue.

"And it would be really nice to have an exhibition by the river because at the moment lorries are parked there and it's such a waste."

He congratulated artists throughout Worcestershire for stepping forward to hand over pieces for the exhibition.

"The event very much exceeded all of my expectations. I'm really over the moon about it," added the former head of art at Christopher Whitehead High School.

Mr Perrett has kick-started a new fund-raising campaign for the charity, with the help of a city artist.

Ruth Burden painted a piece for the exhibition which Mr Perrett hopes to re-create as greetings cards to be sold for the charity.

Acorns' Worcester project manager Mike Cartledge said the charity was thrilled with Mr Perrett's help.

"I'm tremendously impressed by his fund-raising efforts and by the generosity of local artists who have donated their work free of charge," added the 65-year-old.

"This effort has really supported the building of the new hospice and is a wonderful initiative."

Iain Rutherford, the city council's museums, arts and heritage officer, stressed that there is a permanent art display at Worcester City Library Museum and Gallery in Foregate Street, which regularly displays contemporary art.