Manchester charity hit surprise purple patch

Manchester rehabilitation charity Back on Track have had a windfall from an unexpected source - fans of the late US pop star Prince.

It came about after Prince superfan and graphic designer Rob Lomas decided to create Purple, an exhibition featuring newly commissioned artworks from some of the top names in the world of graphic design. The artworks - all printed using purple ink - went on display at Fred Aldous in the Northern Quarter on September 5.

Just 20 of each were made, with fans able to buy them from them online for £5 (not £19.99 as one may have expected). The posters were snapped up, with many selling out on the first day - making Back on Track a whopping £2,500 in the first week alone.

Sam Turner, Back on Track's Business Development Manager, said, 'We have been totally bowled over by much money this has raised for us. We support people who have had serious problems in their lives, like homelessness and addictions. Donations like this mean we can help more people make a positive new life for themselves. And there are quite a few Prince fans at Back on Track, so this really is a bit special. Long may Purple reign!'

Those who missed out can still donate to Back on Track's work through their website.