STAFF at a Basingstoke pub were left astounded after a mystery artist created a portrait in chalk on a blackboard.

Tracey Bowden, manager at the Golden Lion, in Viables, discovered the amazing chalk drawing on Saturday, August 26 and is now appealing to the artist to come forward.

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She said: “It was Saturday afternoon and we were getting ready for a party and there were four lads in the pool room drinking and playing pool.

"We waved them off and as we walked into the pool room it was on the chalkboard. I thought it was amazing.”

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Tracey has appealed on social media for the creator of the drawing to come forward, saying: “I want to buy him a drink. Hopefully we can find him. It put a smile on everyone’s face and everyone thought it was amazing.”

Those who have seen the drawing believe that it is a portrait of the late American guitarist, songwriter and singer Jimi Hendrix.

“We think it’s Jimi Hendrix,” said Tracey, adding: “I really hope we find the person who drew it because it’s brilliant and I want to buy him a drink. He’s obviously very talented.”