With almost 2,000 fans on social networking site Facebook, he is fast becoming an internet sensation.

Known locally only as Violin Man, he is seen busking almost daily in a variety of locations in Walsall town centre.

And despite a questionable level of musical ability, his permanent smile and enthusiastic efforts to entertain have ensured visitors to the town have taken him to their heart. Photos have been posted on two Facebook groups set up in his honour, featuring dozens of fans alongside the eccentric character.

It is thought he lives in Chuckery, and while many suggest he is of Polish origin, others say he is a German-speaking Slovak.

But although the Express & Star attempted to speak to the man himself, communication problems made it impossible to find out any more about the man who is achieving a status similar to that of Walsall’s concrete hippo or Sister Dora statues.

Laurisha Greveson, aged 18, is a sales assistant at clothes store Diffusion, in Park Street, near one of Violin Man’s favoured spots.

“Everyone loves him,” she said. “He’s not great on the violin but does try, and seems to cheer everyone up.

“I walk to work with him sometimes, because he always walks down Bridge Street in the morning.

“I’ve tried to speak to him a few times but he never says anything and just smiles.”

Adam Parager, 20, works in Republic clothes store, also near Violin Man’s favoured pitch. “He’s been coming for years but no-one seems to know anything about him,” he said.

John Hayward, from sweet shop Chocolate Box, in Bridge Street, said: “He must have been coming into the town for a couple of years at least.”

Violin Man is the latest Black Country character to attract internet fame after Wolverhampton tramp Josef Stawinoga prompted a number of on-line tribute groups. He died in 2007.

* Do you know who Violin Man is? Call 01922 444313.