A painting of an ancient temple destroyed by the earthquake in Nepal is being auctioned to raise funds for disaster relief work.

Natasha Jade painted the Hindu Maju Deval Temple at the World Heritage site in Durbar Square, Kathmandu, when she spent six months yoga teacher training in the country two years ago.

The 25-year-old was “completely distraught” to hear about the 7.8-magnitude earthquake on April 25 which killed at least 7,500, that she decided to put the 150cm x 100cm canvas on auction site eBay.

Ms Jade who lives in Riverside Close, Lower Clapton and works in the Hackney Down Studios, in Amhurst Terrace nearby, said: “I felt such a big sadness.

“When I was in Nepal they really opened their arms to me, the people were so amazing, I felt such a deep connection with them, I felt as though something had been stabbed in my chest.

“When I saw the photo of the temple that’s been completely ruined, I thought I can’t believe I painted this, I thought of myself sitting there sketching it.

“Following this disaster, I cannot begin to imagine how chaotic things must be now and for the foreseeable future - what might seem easy to achieve in the West, is typically very challenging in Nepal.

“My heart aches for these wonderful people who’s kindness and generosity I will never forget.”

All proceeds will go towards Save the Children charity which is on the ground delivering essential supplies to homeless families who are living in camps after 160,000 homes were destroyed.

The auction ends this Friday and the price currently stands at £560.

To bid go to www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Charity-Auction-for-Save-the-Children-Painting-of-destroyed-temple-in-Nepal-/111659420421.