Mickey Mouse has been unveiled as a garden centre's outdoor display.

Hartley Halt Garden Centre, in Leysdown, revealed its new "popular big man" at its Bank Holiday fair last weekend.

It was hosted by Westley Purssord, the son of the business's previous owner Dave Purssord, who served on Leysdown Parish Council before he died suddenly in 2020.

The big man is a permanent feature outside the centre but has been dressed up at different times in the past as a groom, with a top hat and tail for the Royal Wedding in 2011, a Minion, Buzz Lightyear and The Incredible Hulk.

In 2020, it was turned into an NHS worker in medical scrubs, with gloves and a mask.

But this year it was turned into the much-loved Disney character.

Along with his 48-year-old brother, Gary, Westley hosted the event across the Easter weekend – which saw a five piece brass band, artwork and characters bring a "carnival atmosphere" to the business.

He said: "So many people said the event felt like how Leysdown used to feel.

"There was a carnival atmosphere it was really nice for people to see the new display as they drove past.

"The smiles on kids' and parents' faces were amazing to see. Me and my brother feel really proud and hope mum and dad were looking down on us after how long they ran the business for."

Following the weekend's success the 45-year-old, from Leysdown, is thinking of hosting the events more often.

He continued: "We really think we have started something now and we'll be doing theme weekends with different cartoon characters on a regular basis.

"We will be donating money made to our local schools as well because we want to give back to the local community, especially with the cost of so many things rising right now."

The brother wanted to thank all those who made an appearance and helped out.

Westley added: "We'd like to give a special thanks to all the people that made this happen, without them it was not possible.

"Thank you to Karren Dixon, from Seaview Holiday Park for her amazing artwork of Donald and Daisy Duck.

"Peter from Leysdown Chalet Services also painted the big Mickey Mouse and Tracy, from Diamond Duo put so much effort in and dressed as Minnie Mouse

"Once again thank you to the pubic for the amazing support. We'll see you all soon with another great surprise that we think you will all love."