A horse sculpture that overlooks the A28 has been restored after more than 20 years.

The statue, which shows a family of five with a horse, was built along the Great Chart bypass as part of the gateways to Ashford project which saw key roundabouts across the town rejuvenated with art.

It was sponsored by the Stevenson Brothers company, which makes bespoke rocking horses at its workshop in Bethersden, to celebrate its 20th year.

Now, as it prepares for its 40th anniversary, the ageing sculpture, which began to rot and fall apart, has been given a new lease of life.

Tony Stevenson, who runs the company with twin brother Marc, spent months on the repairs alongside his partner Caroline, Stevenson Brothers’ staff, and architect John Martin.

The three children on the horse’s back now wear blue and purple uniforms to represent the nearby Wyvern School colours, and the horse’s new colour was inspired by the Invicta horse.

Tony said: “We had to replace one of the back legs because it was rotten and fortunately I had an old telegraph pole which I cut and used to replace it.

“It was hollow where it had been eaten away by bugs so I filled it full of tar and mortar so it’s solid now.

“It has a lime wash paint which allows the wood to breathe so this should last a little bit longer hopefully.

“I popped round the corner and said to the headmaster ‘do you mind if we do it in your uniform colours’ and he said he’d love us to.”

While there is no specific story behind the design, Tony says it represents ‘family values’ and depicts parents leading their three children into the future.

Cllr Jessamy Blanford (Con), who represents Weald Central on Ashford Borough Council, was the driving force behind the restoration along with Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council.

Having seen its condition, they asked the brothers if they wanted to help restore it and the idea spiralled from there.

The Stevenson Brothers was founded in October 1982 at Finn Farm before moving to Bethersden.

Looking back on when it was first introduced, Marc said: “We originally wanted it on a roundabout but they ended up putting it on a verge instead.

“It’s based on a wooden push along toy horse.

“We thought as a nice gesture for our 40th anniversary coming up that we would restore the piece.”

John Somers, who has been head teacher at Wyvern School for five years, said: “I have known the statue longer than I have the school; it’s quite striking.

“It’s nice to see it back to its former glory with a few more local touches.”