The first piece of artwork from Ashford’s ‘Roundabout Banksy’ has gone on sale.

Over the past year, some of the town’s busiest roundabouts have become home to mystery artwork, all of which feature links to politics, Brexit and, apart from the latest one, animals.

The artist, known only by his nickname Mr Mongo, revealed the artwork will be sold to raise money for the Pilgrims Hospice. The squirrel artwork has already been removed and put up for sale.

He said: “I hope the general public can appreciate that this has all been done with good intentions for the amusement of the local residents of Ashford.

“It’s not to everyone’s taste but I like to think they put more smiles than frowns on people’s faces.

“It has never been my intention to personally profit from these pieces as I feel that if people like them then maybe they would be prepared to bid on each piece as they come to auction with the proceeds going to various local charities.

“I hope people will dig deep in their pockets and bid as all proceeds, be they little or large, will go to a worthy charity.”

The Eureka Park roundabout was the first to be targeted and features three sharks, all with an EU sticker with ‘GB’ in the middle of the stars, chasing a swimmer.

A second sculpture, of a hare, appeared six weeks later on the junction 9 roundabout. It had a UK flag stuck on it, being teased by an EU carrot.

The artwork being sold is a squirrel holding a love-heart balloon featuring the Union Jack. It was the third piece to appear and was placed on the Drovers Roundabout

The final piece went on the Tank roundabout in October and is a money tree with a sign reading ‘Government Property. Mays Tree £’.

The bidding for the squirrel ends at 7.30pm tomorrow (Friday).

To bid for the sculpture: click here.