A one-of-a-kind lamp created from a Tornado fighter jet’s fuel tank has touched down at an art exhibition at a former aircraft control tower.

Now on display in Alexander Grove, Kings Hill, it was created by Bertie Meeks of Staplehurst-based dVine Designs from the externally mounted auxiliary drop tank of a former RAF Tornado GR4 and took three weeks to complete.

His firm's previous creations have included a bar made from a Boeing 747 engine.

The tank, which would have held 2,250 litres of fuel, went through a 13 stage polishing process to create a glistening mirror finish. The racking used at the airbase to store the tanks has been redesigned and welded together to create the lamp’s upright.

Mr Meeks said: “We buy aircraft that are about to be scrapped and make something new and exciting out of them.

“The lamp is totally unique and has a gold plated plaque displaying the serial number 001/001.

“As soon as I saw the tank I knew it would make the perfect lamp and I have retained the tail fins to add to the character.”

Kings Hill was formerly RAF West Malling, a key night-fighter station during World War II. The aircraft flown from the airfield in those days included Spitfires, Hurricanes and Bristol Beaufighters – one of whose pilots was Dambuster Guy Gibson when he was stationed there.

Andrew Blevins, managing director of Kings Hill developer Liberty Property Trust, said: “It is fascinating and very fitting to have part of a modern jet fighter in the Control Tower, bearing in mind its former military role.

“I am pleased that the gallery is providing the community with the opportunity to see such innovative and unusual artworks on their doorstep.”

The lamp, which is for sale for £5,500, is part of the current art exhibition in the Control Tower which runs until the end of May. It is open to the public weekdays between 9am and 5.30pm.