THINGS have been curiouser and curiouser at the John Radcliffe Hospital recently as a collection of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland themed paintings have gone on display.

The series, which also includes pieces inspired by other children's classics, is the work of Oxfordshire amateur artist Don MacDougal.

The 65-year-old from Banbury is showcasing his work in the Headington hospital's Corridor Gallery with money raised from the sale of one special piece set to be donated to the children's cancer ward.

Called 'The Mad Hatter's Tea Party', the work depicts the famous scene of Alice meeting the Mad Hatter and his companions, and has already attracted bids of more than £500.

Mr MacDougal said: "I painted it in about the year 2000 and I always had in my head that I wanted it to be sold for charity but then work and kids got in the way.

"When I retired it seemed like the time to finally do it."

He added the painting, which is 3ft by 3ft, had taken roughly 200 hours to paint.

The retired safety advisor's paintings are all taken from children's literature and film, and he has been inspired by the dreamlike illustrations of Wayne Anderson.

He said: "Painting is something I've always liked to do in my spare time and I like to paint things that make people smile, no hidden messages.

"I've always thought about it as at least if a child is being dragged around an art gallery my paintings are something for them."

And Mr MacDougal's paintings are proving a hit with young and old alike, with 10 of the 17 pieces currently on display already sold.

He said: "I've been shocked by the response I've had.

"When I decided to do this I initially was going to display my work in a gallery but then I thought what better showcase than a hospital where hundreds of people are walking past."

On his decision to donate to the children's cancer ward, he added: "I know that the staff do marvellous work and I thought it would be nice for the Mad Hatter painting to be sold for something to do with children."

Hospital charity spokesman Joseph Baker, said: "A huge thank you to Don for creating this stunning collection of artwork to help brighten up our hospital as the summer draws to a close.

"Artwork plays a huge role within our hospitals and we work closely with staff and Artlink, the arts and music programme for Oxford University Hospitals, to create art projects to create a calming atmosphere in wards and departments and to distract, engage and bring pleasure to patients, visitors and staff."

The art work will be on display until September 30 and final bids for the mad hatter piece must be in by September 24.

To make a bid email donmacdougall@btinternet.com