BANKSY HOSPITAL ARTWORK AUCTIONED FOR NHS

Street artist Banksy is hoping to raise over £3m for artwork that was left for frontline workers.

The work was originally gifted to Southampton General Hospital during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic last year alongside a note, which read: "Thanks for all you're doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if its only black and white."

The graffiti artist is to auction the original canvas to raise funds for the National Health Service, with a presale estimate sitting at between £2.5m and £3.5m.

The 'image of hope' shows a young boy kneeling down and playing with superhero dolls - with a masked nurse his toy of choice - suggesting they're the real heroes of covid.

The auction is due to take place on 23rd March.