Retheartis

the statue was unveiled by Lt Col Simon Hulme in front of dignitaries, VIPs and members of the 36 Engineer Regiment.

One of only two confirmed Banksy works in Kent, Dover made headlines worldwide when the huge EU mural went up overnight.

Typical of the elusive artist, the detailed design was highly political and well-timed coming during the height of Brexit fervour in 2017.

The wall by the York Street roundabout was daubed with the image of a workman chiselling out a star from the European Union flag - a comment on the then omnipresent Brexit debate.

One expert valued the gigantic piece at £1million, despite the expensive and arduous effort it would take to remove, transport and store it. However such a plan will never come to fruition after it was painted over, sparking outrage among residents and art fans alike.

The mysterious Bristolian responded afterwards on Instagram, saying he was going to change the piece on the day Britain left the EU, “but it seems they’ve painted over it.

“Never mind. I guess a big white flag says it just as well.” There are hopes the work can be salvaged and restored, with one expert valuing the work at £20 million despite the whitewashing.

A supersized mural on Dartford’s High Street is not only catches attention, but details 25 different facets of the area’s history. Designed by international artist Gary Drostle and painted by

Drostle and Rob Turner in 2000, important industrial and historical moments are captured in high detail.

This includes Sir John Spilman, whose 1588-built Dartford paper factory was the first commercially successful paper-mill in England.

Also featured is the Vickers Vimy engine, highlighting the Dartford Salt Marshes’ role as a test site for the famous plane which was used for the first non-stop transatlantic flight.

The garden village of

King’s Hill is crammed with sculptures and statues, but perhaps the most poignant harks back to the location’s wartime past.

Built on the site of RAF West Malling, King’s Hill recognised this heritage in 2002 by placing the statue of an airman on the spot where the runway was. Designed by Tonbridgebased artist Guy Portelli, the Hillreed Homes-commissioned piece features a running airman - Group Captain Peter Townsend.

Known for his romance with Princess Margaret, GC Townsend is believed to have downed the first German aircraft over England. He earned the DFC and bar, and later the DSO.

The sculpture’s inscription reads: “In recognition of Group Captain Peter Townsend and all the brave airmen who served their country from

West Malling Airfield during World War II.

“This memorial marks the site of the runway, which was operational between 1908 to 1994.

“The West Malling RAF motto is ‘We guard the gate.’ We thank them all for their dedication and our freedom today.”

An eye-catching mural in Gravesend celebrates possibly the town’s most famous inhabitant, Pocahontas.

The native American, given the Disney treatment in 1995, famously saved the life of English explorer John Rolfe before returning to England with him as his wife.

She died in Gravesend at the age of 22 and was buried at the town’s St George Church on March 21, 1617.

In November, a fence was emblazoned with a modern graffiti-style design commemorating her connection to the town. Created by 1717 Alliance based in the town - the mural can be seen on Queen Street.

Commissioned to mark the Millennium, Sam Holland’s giant statue - entitled The Mariners - is an eye-catching celebration of Medway’s maritime heritage.

Made of bronze, steel and concrete, the 35ft-high sculpture features a ‘Jack Tar’ seaman opposite a bronze female sailor.

The centrepiece of the creation is a mast and billowing sail, both made of steel. The statue was created using money from local residents and businesses, and was one of the early successes of the Medway Sculpture Trust.