BANKSY has become a best-seller among Darlington shoppers buying calendars ahead of the New Year.

The mysterious graffiti artist’s calendar has proved the most popular this year – even beating Manchester United and the Minions.

And the Cornmill Shopping Centre’s Calendar club believe shoppers are embracing their artistic side this festive season because of Banksy’s controversial art project, Dismaland.

Calendar Club store operator, Pamela Gregory, said: “Following the recent interest in Banksy’s pop-up bemusement theme park, Dismaland, it’s no surprise the calendar has captured people’s imaginations this year.

“However, among the biggest sellers this festive season we’ve sold real range and each age group has certainly been catered for, from Minions to Cliff Richard.”

Mrs Gregory has been running the store for the past eight years alongside her husband Dave and son Craig, who say the most popular calendar theme varies year on year.

Liverpool FC and Christmas-favourite Cliff Richard also featured on the best seller’s list as long-standing favourites in the town.

The Cornmill Shopping Centre manager, Susan Young, said: “It’s fantastic to hear visitors to the centre are embracing their artistic side and we’re delighted to have Calendar Club in the centre again this festive season, adding to the mix of high street stores and specialist retailers.”