Colin’s tribute to The Queen features North Devon favourite
An illustration of Her Late Majesty the Queen buying a Hocking’s ice cream at Westward Ho! is helping to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).
Artist and cartoonist Colin Petty said he was inspired to create his print entitled ‘One Last One’ after seeing an image of The Queen and Paddington Bear after her death last month.
Colin, from Westward Ho!, said: “Someone suggested I do a similar image with the Queen and a North Devon landmark, so I created an image with an iconic Hocking’s Ice Cream van and emailed the company to ensure they were ok with being part of my project.” 
Colin said he wanted to raise money for a local charity, as well as do something to remember The Queen and to mark her death.
“The Queen and the Royal Family have always been a big part of my life so when she died, I felt like there was a big hole in my life and wanted to do something to remember her by,” said, Colin, who enjoys doodling and creating art in his retirement.
“I put the picture out on Facebook to see if people would be interested in buying a copy in aid of CHSW and a local printing company (OICY in Bideford) got in touch and offered to print it for free and just charge postage and packing, so the idea grew from there.”
The print, which also features The Queen’s beloved corgis, has already raised nearly £900 for CHSW, which supports around 250 families at its Little Bridge House children’s hospice in Fremington.
“It will be fantastic if I can get to £1,000,” added Colin.
If anyone would like a copy, please just search for ‘Arttoons by Colin Petty’ on Facebook and you’ll find the link.
Colin is also designing some Christmas cards for Hocking’s, with a donation of the sales going to CHSW.
CHSW area fundraiser Gubs Hayer said: “The Queen and Hocking’s are a perfect match and we’re very grateful to Colin for choosing to support CHSW with such a fabulous piece of artwork.
“Every print and Christmas card sold will help Little Bridge House provide vital care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families.”