Residents have been left mystified after a piece of artwork popped up – at the side of a bus shelter.

The Lowther Arms Community Project (LACP) recently received a surprise boost to its campaign to save the local pub when an artist left their mark on a Mawbray bus stop.

First spotted in April, decorated pebbles have been adding a splash of colour to the village to keep spirits high, and many believe the latest offering is the work of the same lovely artist.

Members of the group were thrilled to see the work, featuring the LACP logo on a piece of slate, appear at the newly-restored shelter, highlighting the Save the Pub campaign.

Christopher Atkinson, of the LACP, said: “We’re all pulling together to buy the pub for the community, and [are] delighted the artist has chosen to draw attention to our fundraising campaign in this way.

“The bus stop is now eye-catching for passers-by and a very pleasant place for anyone who hops on or off the bus.”

And it’s not just the group that’s pleased, as the artist should be proud of themselves – earning the nickname The Mawbray Banksy.

Christopher said: “In the words of Banksy, ‘actions speak louder than words’ and ‘there is always hope’ we’ll reach our target.

“So far, we only have the sketchiest of ideas about who our Mawbray Banksy artist might be, but we’re hopeful that a reopened pub would be a source of new inspiration!”

The pub-saving group hold weekly drop-in sessions from its gazebo near the Banks car park, chatting to visitors and locals alike to discuss the issue, and has even introduced an investment opportunity to keep the business alive.

“Our share issue which allows anybody to buy a stake in the pub from as little as £100 was launched nearly five weeks ago,” Christopher said.

“Community shares are a low risk investment, and the money raised will be used to buy the pub, and engage an experienced and professional tenant to run it.

“We’re attracting investors from around the country and as far away as Switzerland!”

To find out more about the Lowther Arms’ battle to stay standing, visit the Lowther Arms Community Project Facebook page, and follow the team on Twitter at @arms_lowther.