STRIKING Banksy-style artwork has appeared on a wall in Ulverston, leading some residents to believe the anonymous street artist has paid a visit to the town.

A mural of comedy duo Stan Laurel, originally from Ulverston, and Oliver Hardy has been spotted on the side of a derelict pub in Union Street.

The pair, famed for their slapstick comedy, are donning PPE masks in the artwork, bearing a striking resemblance to the work produced by Bristol-based street artist Banksy

The mural was spotted by community support worker, Patrick Pittson, who discovered the stencil art whilst walking home from the post office.

He said: "It caught my eye immediately as it was so crisp and fresh."

Mr Pittson described the artwork as 'very appropriate' timing in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: "It seems very appropriate for the times as so many of us key workers need to be wearing these masks to protect ourselves and others, and seeing the masks on the towns famous icons is a nice light-hearted twist to raise a smile.

"The fact the masks are bright blue on the black and white image brings to mind all the NHS are doing for all of us and, perhaps, it is a nod to that.

"In my opinion it is a clever piece of thought-provoking graphic art."

However, there has been some concern that the street artwork may be viewed as vandalism.

Despite this, Mr Pittson believes the vandalism 'brightens' up the property.

Mr Pittson said: "It’s not ugly, it’s not on occupied property but on a building that is currently very run down, so I don’t think it’s devaluing or considered vandalism but brightens it up.

"I don’t know who created the art, it looks good enough to be Banksy but I’m no expert on that, perhaps it’s a local artist, it’s certainly very appropriate for Ulverston."

Another anonymous artist, known as LoKi, decorated Ulverston town centre with a collection of life-size modrock-crafted figures in 2017.

The mysterious figure, likened to graffiti specialist Banksy, first appeared back in 2014, when a six-foot painting of a human skull was daubed above a doorway in Brewery Street.

They continued to leave artwork around Ulverston throughout the summer.