There will be a rare chance to own a unique piece of Porthleven's history next year at an auction of artwork created out of the damaged harbour baulks.

Some of the county's best artists are involved in the project that is raising money for the Fishermen's Mission.

It was back in February 2014 that the port's inner harbour defences gave way to the power of the sea, causing huge waves to roll through and sink ten boats, as well as floats, nets and crab pots.

The wooden baulks - each one weighing two tonnes and bolted together with heavy metal caps - were smashed, such was the force of the waves.

Devastation has now become opportunity, however, as 80 artists and craftspeople are now using pieces of the wooden baulks to create sculptures, paintings, mosaics, etchings, ceramic and glass, as well as items of furniture.

Each piece will have an letter of signed authenticity to prove that the pieces are from the Porthleven baulks.

These will then be put on display at the Lifeboat House gallery for a week in early March next year, before they are sold at auction on March 18, at the Atlantic Inn and online.

Julian Waring, Cornwall regional fundraising manager for the Fishermen's Mission who lives in Porthleven, said: "I would walk passed the boatyard and look on at the broken pieces of the harbour defences. An idea formed and it has led to the permission granted to use the wood; the Porthleven Baulk Project was formed.

"This is a unique opportunity to purchase not only a piece of social history but a celebration of talent from something that was protective that then caused damage."

Volunteering on the project alongside him are Leigh Santi, Rita Collier, Pat Hosking, Bel Higgs, Suzie Williams, Barbara Powell, John and Louise Winterton.

The money raised will go to the Fishermen's Mission, which supported back then the fishermen unable to work from November 2013 to March 2014 due to the storms - and particularly those who lost boats and equipment, with £110,000 given out to families in the south west alone - and continues to do so to those struggling now.

A Facebook group, Porthleven's Great Baulk Auction, has been set up to update anyone interested between now and the auction, with pictures of the pieces created to be posted and more details given as the event approaches.