MP Charlie Elphicke has urged the arts minister to help stop Dover losing its Banksy mural.

The Dover and Deal MP met John Glen in the House of Commons to ask him to intervene.

He has also written to Historic England and asked for the Brexit-themed artwork to be listed.

The proposals will be sent to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for consideration.

Mr Elphicke said: “I told the minister how much it is loved in the town and why we must protect it.

“The Banksy may be worth millions – but to the people of Dover it is priceless.

“He said he will examine our case carefully when it is sent to the Department.”

Dovorians were surprised and delighted when they first found the giant artwork on the flank wall of the former Castle Amusements building on Sunday, May 7.

The building is at the corner of Townwall Street and York Street.

Soon afterwards the Folkestone-based Godden familiy confirmed it was theirs and that they planned to demolish the building and sell the art for charity.

Last month Mr Elphicke launched a Save Our Banksy campaign to keep it in the town.

Dover District Council’s plan for a new waterfront development counts on the demolition of the building and Mr Elphicke has asked both the Goddens and the council for a meeting.

He said: “The new waterfront development should have this Banksy at its heart – as a central attraction.

"It will draw so many people to visit the town and help make the development a success.

“Renewal is about more than just new buildings.

"This is about protecting a piece of our culture and history.”