Has Banksy started spreading some festive cheer in Kent, or is it yet another copycat?

One resident in Sandwich is convinced the secretive street artist has struck once again in the county after spotting a new piece in the town centre.

Imogen Larkins, 46, was walking along the high street when she saw the work in the Three Kings Yard alleyway.

The piece resembles Banksy's famous 'Girl With Balloon' but with a Santa hat on the girl's head, giving it a festive twist.

“It caught my eye straight away. I thought wow," Mrs Larkins said.

"It smacked me in the face and gave me a massive smile. I normally get the train home, but because of the strikes, I had to walk that way to get to the bus station. I felt quite lucky really.

“I thought it was a really nice touch putting the Christmas hat on. I know there have been a few copycats around Kent, but I think it could be him!”

This wouldn’t be the first time Banksy has blessed Kent with his artwork as the elusive artist has produced famous paintings in both Dover and Folkestone.

His Brexit-themed Dover piece portrayed the image of a workman on a ladder chipping away one of the stars of the EU flag.

The artwork, which was valued at £1 million, was controversially painted over, leaving a giant white square in its place.

But some residents are not sure the Sandwich piece is genuine – with Shane Godden saying: "He hasn't put it on his page so may not be Banksy."

Whether the painting is really a Banksy or not, Mrs Larkin, who works for The British Hovercraft Company, was delighted to stumble across the artwork.

"I put the pictures on Facebook as I thought it was a nice festive find and people can make up their own minds about it," she said.

"But it’s not a sticker or anything like that - it has been sprayed on.

"Whether it’s real or not, it was a treat seeing it. Let’s hope it doesn’t get painted over!"