A collaborative art project exploring themes based on the Island is to be unveiled this week.

A dozen 16- to 24-year-olds who were not in education, employment or training or had some form of disability were recruited for Blank Canvas.

They spent six weeks working with creatives, volunteers and mentors from the Sheppey Young Artists’ Festival, held earlier this year, to create a large sculpture spelling out The Isle of Sheppey.

Each letter is made out of recycled wood and is decorated in a different theme including the First and Second World War, marshes, aviation and industry.

They will form part of an interactive exhibition inside the Sheppey Gateway which will be launched at noon on Friday. Mayor of Swale, Cllr George Bobbin will be attending.

A printed panel incorporating the designs has also been produced and will be hung on a rear outside wall of the Times Guardian to turn the area into an outdoor courtyard space.

Justin Aggett, of Sheppey Matters, who was brought on board to manage the project, said: “We asked these young people, what does Sheppey mean to you? And for them, it’s this wonderful, vibrant place.”

The charity CXK and the Department for Work and Pensions were also involved while the Tuner Contemporary Gallery in Margate also helped out with ideas.