Well-known Tenby born actor, Josh Richards is turning to his fellow Shakespearian actors and followers of the Royal Shakespeare Company to help raise money to fund a new wheelchair for his long-time Narberth friend, Henry Langen.

An appeal to raise just over £15,000 to buy muscular dystrophy sufferer Henry, of Church Street, a wheelchair enabling him to achieve greater mobility and help his circulation has recently been launched with Josh already raising £2,000 when he performed his one man show 'Playing Burton' - about Richard Burton - after the main play at Stratford.

Now he is selling, to the highest bidder a painting by fellow RSC thespian, Sir Anthony Sher, who took a great interested in why Josh was performing his one act play.

"He asked if there was anything he could do to help and subsequently came back with this painting," Josh told the Observer.

"It really is very kind of him," he said.

Sir Anthony Sher's self portrait of himself playing 'Domitian Caesar' in The Roman Actor by Philip Massinger was subsequently framed by the RSC's Armourers with the bronze effect of the frame echoing the armoury worn by various members of the cast in the production.

"So it is unique," smiled Josh, who has now taken the painting to Newcastle where he is performing for three weeks.

The painting will be displayed in the foyer of the Playhouse Theatre and it is hoped bids for it will be made by associates and sponsors of the RSC and their followers.

Local bids are also accepted and anyone who would like further details is asked to contact Henry on (01834) 861202.