Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

The creator of the Banksea artwork which was entered into a spoof art competition has called the organisers asking for the work to be removed from an online charity auction.

The artwork, which is based on a Banksy street piece, depicts Mona Lisa holding a rocket launcher as well as a rat. It was submitted in true Banksy style- anonymously.

The Turnip Prize organiser, Trevor Prideaux, said he received a phonecall from someone claiming to be the artist asking for the artwork to be pulled from an ebay auction.

The piece was disqualified from the bad art competition, which is a spoof of the Turner Prize, for being 'too good'.

The winner, 'Tea P' by Venetia Hopkins, as well as the finalists and the Banksea were put up for sale to raise money for local charities.

Bracey Vermin aka Venetia Hopkins won the prize

The awards were held on 3 December, the same night as the Turner Prize, at the New Inn in Wedmore.

Mr Prideaux said he placed the artwork on ebay on Tuesday morning. "I then had a phonecall from someone claiming to be the artist to withdraw it.

"He said he'd rather it wasn't sold and he would Μύcome up with something else for next year. I think he didn't realise that when he entered the prize that something which was disqualified could be sold."

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Somerset was also approached by a buyer interested in the canvas.

Banksy's work is currently part of an art exhibition in Palestine. His spokeswoman was unavailable for comment.