AN UNPREPOSSESSING wall in Lyme Regis has become the focus of the international art world after a painting of a bird has been “claimed” by street artist Banksy.

Speculation in the town had been rife for weeks that the stencilled origami-style heron with a goldfish in its mouth was a new work by the “guerrilla” artist, who secretly paints large-scale street murals to the delight – or disgust – of the public.

But this week “new master” Banksy provided the equivalent of a signature by posting the Lyme heron on his website and the image has made the national news and been posted worldwide over the Internet.

Local photographer Peter Wiles said that the heron on the banks of the River Lim appeared over the course of a couple of nights.

“Some suggested that the picture was the work of Banksy, but there was no evidence to confirm this, “ he said.

“Lyme Regis has a lively artistic community but no local painter has come forward to take credit for the work.

“Graffiti in a conservation area might normally be frowned on, but most residents and visitors staying in Lyme Regis seem to welcome this graceful addition to the many attractions of the town.”

Now the wall has increased in value as Banksy’s works fetch hundreds of thousands of pounds – if they can be sold or even preserved.

The jury is out in Lyme as to whether the riverside art is greatness, or just graffiti.