Sheppey has stepped up its campaign for brown tourist signs on the M2 after it appeared on BBC1's Songs of Praise TV programme.

The newly-formed Sheppey Community Development Forum, led by Oasis Academy founder Steve Chalke, has taken the fight to Highways England.

Forum member and Swale councillor Mike Whiting, who holds the transport portfolio at Kent County Council, told last Thursday's meeting: "There are strict rules about what type of brown sign Highways England will allow but having the Isle of Sheppey as a header, together with descriptions of four or five attractions, is perfectly valid."

He added: "Promoters of brown signs normally require the support of Visit Kent or Visit England.

"I have discussed the project with Deirdre Wells, the new chief executive at Visit Kent who used to work in Government looking after brown signs, by coincidence, and she thinks we meet all Highways England’s requirements and is keen to assist."

Jenny Hurkett, who runs the Criterion Theatre and Blue Town Heritage Centre and chairs Swale Museums Group, has been battling for brown signs for 12 years.

She said: "It is an incredible an island the size of Sheppey with its historical maritime and aviation connections and tourism doesn't have its own road sign."

The only sign to the Island from the motorway mentions the town of Sheerness but has no mention of beaches, wildlife reserves, holiday parks, theatres, museums or being the birthplace of Britain's aviation industry.

Highways England fees start at £40,000 a sign. Two are wanted, one for each carriageway, at junction 5 with the A249.

A breakthrough came last year when Peel Ports, which operates Sheerness Docks, agreed to stump up the cash.

The Sheerness Times Guardian is backing the campaign and created a mock-up of what a sign might look like.

But Cllr Whiting warned: "There is a risk Swale council will want signs promoting Swale more generally while this group wants to specifically promote the Island. This is something Visit Kent fully understands and sees the merits of promoting a unique geographic area such as Sheppey.

"It is is unlikely Highways England would consider two sets of signs."

Cllr Whiting, who works in MP Gordon Henderson's office, is to invite Visit Kent to meet forum members and suggested existing signs on the Island be updated at the same time.

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