PICTURES said to have been painted by Italian prisoners of war have been found beneath the wallpaper at a city pub.

The images of York's bar walls were discovered by decorators stripping paper in the Corner House pub in Burton Stone Lane, Clifton.

Landlady Pat Mahon, who moved in two weeks ago, said the workmen had found five oil paintings on the plasterwork as they were taking the paper down.

"Regulars have told me that they were done by Italian prisoners of war after they were released," she said.

"They would have been living at the Clifton aerodrome."

Pat said: "I was absolutely amazed that you could recognise the York sights on the murals. I thought they would be just rough sketches, but was very surprised to find they were oil paintings. If they were in a bit better condition they would be definitely worthy of being on show. Only some of the faces were scratched. I couldn't believe the quality of them."

The paintings were last discovered in 1992 when a previous redecoration took place but are still in very good condition.

Pat said the York landmarks were easily recognisable and included Micklegate and Walmgate Bars and the Museum Gardens.

She grew up in the Burton Stone Lane area and said she was happy to be working back in there after living in Hull for 19 years.

It was said that the Italian prisoners painted the murals in return for free drinks.

Regulars claimed that the Italians enjoyed painting scenes from York as its Roman history reminded them of home.

The paintings will soon be hidden from view again after the pub papers over them.

PICTURE: Pat Mahon, landlady of the Corner House pub, in Burton Stone Lane, York, examines a mural showing Micklegate Bar. It was painted by Italian prisoners of war during the last war