A DERELICT Saddleworth pub has received a mystery facelift with a familiar look.
And that has led to some observers believing world renowned graffiti artist, Banksy, has visited the area.
A distinctive butterfly has been painted on the front walls of the run-down Horse and Jockey public house on Huddersfield Road.
The wings of the Red Admiral include the Red and White roses of Lancashire and Yorkshire.
And alongside the butterfly are the painted words: ‘the welcome of a real fire, put another log on the fire, actually put them all on’.
Ironically, the famous inn, opened in 1937, has been closed for almost a decade after a fire ripped through the building.
In its hey day, the Horse & Jockey afforded magnificent views of the Saddleworth moors.
Legend has it infamous murderers, Myra Hindley and Ian Brady, drank there.
The recently painted mural isn’t signed, deepening the uncertainty over the artist’s identity.
The real Banksy began doing graffiti in his home town, Bristol, as part of the DryBreadZ Crew, before adopting his nickname to protect his identity.
If anyone has more information on the Red Admiral, contact Trevor Baxter at trevor@saddind.co.uk
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