AN artist will have his work auctioned off alongside pieces by esteemed actors as part of a fundraising campaign in memory of William Shakespeare.

The National Literacy Trust's Card to the Bard scheme which will see a whole host of drawn postcards auctioned off to coincide with the 400th anniversary of his death.

Participants, including Lexden artist Oliver Dean, 35, have been joined by acting royalty Simon Callow, Emma Thompson and Julie Walters to produce cards for the auction which will open up today.

Mr Dean has worked with the trust before - which equips disadvantaged youngsters with reading, writing and listening skills - and was delighted to have been asked again.

He said: "They got in touch with me and said they had great feedback from before and asked me if I would be willing to take part.

"At that point I had no idea who else was involved and now they have some celebrities which is great because it will help them get even more exposure."

Mr Dean's postcards are based on a mixture of a scene from Hamlet featuring Polonius and Gertrude and his feeling of misinformation from politicians.

He said: "It was a scene which always stuck with me.

"It was pre-Brexit when I did the drawing and I was feeling we were getting more flower than actual information from both parties.

"In fact, Polonius' face is based quite loosely on Boris Johnson."

Mr Dean has not put a target on the amount his postcard raises.

He said: "I have been involved in a lot of art auctions before and I know how even tiny little things can impact on the price.

"Anything which can help the charity will be great."

The Card to the Bard auction goes live today at 9am. All bids must be placed by 7.30pm on Wednesday, October 5.

Click here to view the lots and place a bid.