AN ARTIST has claimed responsibility for a stunning mural which pays homage to the RNLI.

The artwork appeared on the sea wall near Rhyl lifeboat station in late December.

Rhyl RNLI took to social media on December 30 to share a photo of the artwork, accompanied with the caption: "Has anyone else spotted this on the sea wall not far from the lifeboat station in Rhyl? What a special tribute to RNLI. Thank you whoever you are."

It raised excitement that legendary street artist, Banksy, had perhaps visited the town.

Now a person, who goes under the name dnz_uk on Instagram, has taken ownership of the piece.

They posted on Instagram: "Lifeboy.

"Originally born and raised in North Wales, I painted this piece next to the RNLI Station in Rhyl @rnlirhyl

"I did this to thank all of the people volunteering for the RNLI across the country and to all the lives saved, and sadly lost over the many years. This is also for the people of the community to appreciate and to remember the hard work that the RNLI do all year round."

Denbighshire County Council has taken action to protect the piece.

The artist added: "Thank you Denbighshire Council for protecting this so everyone can enjoy it for years to come."

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A spokesperson from Denbighshire County Council said: “The council can confirm it did fit a protective covering over the piece when made aware of it. This was done in order to provide a level of protection to the artwork and to allow sufficient time for the artist to be verified.

"Further discussions will take place in regards to future plans for the piece."

The RNLI is the UK's largest charity dedicated to saving lives at sea. Its crews have saved some 140,000 lives since its foundation, at a cost of more than 600 lives lost in service.

In 2022, RNLI Rhyl launched their lifeboat 57 times.

The charity welcomed six new lifeboat crew, two crew members got married and RNLI Rhyl once again featured on BBC's Saving Lives At Sea following a rescue in Rhyl Harbour.

After the Covid hiatus, RNLI Rhyl re-opened its station for visitors and the charity's popular fundraising events returned including the festive dip on Boxing Day and the annual Dyserth Duck Race.

A 'naming and dedication ceremony' was also held for the Shannon Class Lifeboat and her Launch and Recovery System.