An 11ft sculpture of a beating heart has been erected in a town centre to inspire 'local pride'.
Heart statue erected in British town
The grey and black heart - which was been created in Kent - can be operated by the public by turning a handle and watching the organ - atrium, aorta and all - pump in front of their eyes.
The educational statue was created by Philip Long in honour of the physician who discovered the heart's circulatory system, William Harvey.
Philip told 'Kent Online': ''I knew straight away the sculpture was going to be a heart. The form of the human heart to some people is quite beautiful but to others it is grotesque and repellent.''
The Heart of Ashford will be in Park Mall for at least two weeks after which Phillip hopes to find a permanent home for it in the town.