ARTIST Gordon Dickinson has made a gemstone encrusted skull to rival a £50m piece by renowned Turner Prize winner Damien Hirst.

And, not to be outdone, Gordon has pitched his at the higher price of £86m.

Potential buyers are free to go and view his latest piece at the Beehive pub in Old Town.

The skull piece from Damien Hirst - For The Love Of God - has 8,601 jewels, while its pearly teeth cost £14m.

Gordon's artwork - called the Love Of Gord - uses a badger's skull with gems he found in his studio drawer.

The model of Mr Hirst's lavish adornment is thought to belong to a 35-year-old European who lived between 1720 and 1810.

Gordon acquired his badger's skull from his wife Toni, who used to run a veterinary practice.

Gordon, who lives in Purton, does not agree with Hirst's use of grossly expensive materials.

"Spending £22m on a piece of art because you've got the money is ridiculous," he said.

"And he didn't even make the work."

"It seems a bit silly. It is a bit like premiership football - whoever has the most money wins." "I know mine is a bit more expensive than Damien's, and it only cost about £8 to make, but I made my one all by myself."

Gordon spent Saturday night moulding his creation.

Mr Hirst's skull examines the transience of human existence and is said to be the most expensive contemporary art piece in existence. The focus is a pear-shaped pink diamond set in the skull's forehead.

Gordon's work sets a badger's skull encrusted with "gems" on a cracked mirror.

Gordon originally planned for his artwork to be a joke, but after starting it decided to put more effort in.

Hirst's skull, which forms part of his Beyond Belief exhibition, went on display at the White Cube gallery in London.

Hirst, originally from Bristol, received international acclaim for his shark preserved in formaldehyde.

Gordon's work, which also features new abstract oils alongside box art creations using materials such as fingernails, teeth and mice tails is on show at the Beehive until September 1.

The exhibition is open during pub opening times and is free.

Gordon's work can be viewed online at www.gordondickinson.co.uk.