Quality images of the Isle of Man, together with many well-known members of the community, are available for purchase in a silent auction taking place in Peel.

They were all captured by talented amateur photographer John Hall, who died during the summer at the age of 90.

His wife, Diane, wants the sale of hundreds of colour and monochrome images to raise funds for Hospice Isle of Man.

John had an avid interest in photography from a young age, but the bulk of the pictures in the collection are from the last three decades.

Most are mounted on card, many for competitions at Western Photographic Club and Isle of Man Photographic Society, of which was a leading member.

Many are large format 15x10 inch images, or 10x8 (A4) size - perfect for framing.

Well-travelled, others prints not yet on display include photos taken on visits to far-flung countries like Cuba, many parts of Europe and North Africa.

The biggest problem is how to display the images properly, the total number is in the region of 400.

The first batch of around 40 pictures are displayed in the large windows of the former Looneys department store at the bottom end of Michael Street, and are already raising great interest.

Kathryn Foley, shops manager at Hospice Isle of Man, said: ’There are a lot more images than we originally envisaged, but I am blown away at the quality and the interest already raised by passers by in the street.’

Peel Hospice shop, which has recently been decorated following water damage in the cellar, re-opens at the end of this week when it will be possible for anyone interested in purchasing prints to place a bid with their name and contact address or telephone number on a slip of paper and place it into a box inside the shop. Each of the mounted prints will be individually identified by numbers.

It is intended that one section of window will be dedicated to the prints in the short term at least, so the photos will be changed at fairly regular intervals.

The initial selection includes large, monochrome images of the inside and exterior of Peel Castle, numerous coastal landscapes, Isle of Man ploughing matches, sporting events, tholtans and other areas of social history, plus wildlife, Manx Electric Railway and several excellent portraits of local characters.