Ashford's drover has been given a promotion.

The black figure, which guards the roundabout off Maidstone Road and Simone Weil Avenue, commonly known as Drovers roundabout, has been transformed into Father Christmas.

The metal man has been dressed head to toe in red, and now stands behind a custom-made sleigh.

His cows have also been decorated with red tinsel and reindeer antlers.

The festive prank was carried out overnight by Alex Whitewood, his sister Tash, their mum and dad Kim and Peter and friends Laura Gray and Amy Kingsnorth, all from Ashford.

It is the third year in a row that they have decided to improve the look of the roundabout's inhabitants in time for Christmas.

In 2013, Alex, Tash and Amy placed Santa hats and tinsel around the cows and their leader.

Last year they went one step further and dressed the drover up in red shorts and a hat.

Preparations for this year's prank - titled Operation Reindeer - began weeks ago, when the group started making the sleigh.

They then all made a special trip to the roundabout last night to decorate the iconic figures.

Drovers roundabout is not the only landmark in town expected to be given a seasonal make over.

The Bolt, off Godinton Road, is usually adorned with some kind of yuletide decorations.

Last year it was made to resemble a Christmas pudding.

We can't help but wonder if Ashford's latest piece of art, the Ashlon, might also be in store for a little embellishment this year.

Guess we'll have to wait and see...