Renowned Sussex-based artist David Shepherd is donating a painting to help save elephants from extinction in Zambia.

The 70-year-old wildlife painter's works, many produced at his home at Hammerwood, near East Grinstead, adorn the walls of homes around the world.

The work he'll be donating depicts an elephant charging through the African bush.

It is expected to raise a five-figure sum at auction next month.

The money will help fund a British armed forces expedition to Zambia to help wildlife conservation authorities in their battle against poachers.

Thirty-eight Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and RAF personnel will take part in Operation Helping Hand.

They will take five Land Rovers with them which they have reconditioned themselves, together with vehicle spares, for use by Zambian game wardens.

Mr Shepherd said: "These men and women from REME and the RAF will save the wildlife authorities £100,000 in repair bills alone and that's money we can plough into wildlife conservation.

"In just two weeks they can repair 38 vehicles, 20 radios, two boats, 36 weapons, two bore-holes and countless other pieces of essential equipment."

Since the Sixties, more than 90 per cent of Zambia's elephants have been illegally slaughtered.

"The country's rhino population is extinct and the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation is working with the Zambian Wildlife Authority to prevent the country's remaining elephants suffering the same fate.

Operation Helping Hand will also carry out humanitarian tasks.

The auction will be held at the Madejski Stadium in Reading on June 8.

Tickets for the function, which includes a black-tie dinner, are available for £60 each by phoning Major Nick Weller on 01189 763633.