A memorial to the late artist Tony Hart has been unveiled in Maidstone.

The plaque in honour of Mr Hart, who was born in Maidstone, was unveiled at the Hazlitt Arts Centre as part of the centre's one year anniversary celebrations.

Cllr Brian Moss, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “Saturday was a very joyous occasion and I was delighted to be able to unveil this lasting tribute to a man who has captured the hearts of so many people.

“This commemorative plaque will be a permanent reminder of a well-known local artist. Tony Hart was born in Hastings Road and the arts centre is a fitting venue in which to commemorate him and tied in well with it celebrating its first year as an arts centre.”

Born in Maidstone in 1925 Tony Hart’s television career spanned 50 years. He is best remembered for his role with the BBC as a television artist in a variety of programmes, including Vision On, Smart Hart and Hart Beat.

In 1984 his BBC programme Take Hart, won a BAFTA and he received a Lifetime Achievement award in 1998.

His daughter Carolyn Williams also attended the unveiling.

See a video of the unveiling at www.youtube.com/user/maidstonecouncil