An Ashford artist has been shortlisted to head a project celebrating culture in Kent ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

Conceptual artist Cathy Streeter, who is based in the town, is one of three artists tipped to work on the Kent Cultural Baton project.

The project brief is to design an original piece of artwork that will travel around the country visiting festivals, schools and businesses.

The baton will end its journey in 2012 when it will be displayed as a reminder of 2012 for future generations.

Cathy’s concept, Bat 'n’ Ball is a ball that demonstrates the link between sport and Kent’s culture. The ball will travel through the county opening at each chosen location to reveal an LED screen that plays a film of Kent’s cultural landscape.

The other proposals include a travelling pod to record weather, sound, pictures and video footage and a structure built brick by brick as it passes through the county.

The successful artist will be chosen later in the year and announced at a special celebration on December 3.