THE Daily Echo can reveal the first celebrity bidder for an island in Poole Harbour.

Bournemouth-born artist Stuart Semple has made an offer for 31-acre Long Island.

The painter, whose work is collected by Johnny Depp, Boy George and Debbie Harry, revealed he had been looking at property in the area.

"I was in the area a couple of months ago during the summer, and was looking for a house," Stuart told the Daily Echo. "But when I saw the island was coming up for sale I thought how much better would it be to own an island than a house?"

The former St Paul's School pupil said he would like to open a museum on the island.

"We could run a shuttle boat and bring people over to see the museum," he said.

The painter says he would show work from his collection, including pieces by leading British artists.

"I've got a big collection of drawings and some nice Damien Hirst bits," said Stuart.

But it is not certain he will become the island's new owner, indicating that other serious bids had been made. He should know soon if his bid has been successful.

"I've been on tenterhooks for about three days," he said.

Stephen Noble, whose estate agency is handling the sale, confirmed the artist was among four interested parties and that the £1million starting price for the island has been eclipsed.

"I've had one formal offer and we are talking to other people as well," said Mr Noble. "We have exceeded our guide price."

Mr Noble expects the sale to be completed "in no more than two weeks".

Meanwhile, Stuart's career is going from strength to strength. His recent Fake Plastic Love show in London, previewed by the Daily Echo, went "really well". And he has been commissioned by Selfridges to create pieces for a "mini art gallery" in its store on London's Oxford Street.

"We're hoping to get some rock stars involved - Brian Molko from Placebo, and Conor Oberst from Bright Eyes," said Stuart.