An anonymous street artist has created a new artwork dedicated to "superhuman" medics working on the coronavirus frontline.

Catman - a Whitstable-based artist who keeps his real identity closely under wraps - sprayed the striking new image on a wall outside a charity shop last night.

In a post on Facebook, he wrote: "While the town was in isolation last night, I snuck out and painted this in dedication to all the superhuman frontline staff out there working tirelessly to keep us and our loved ones safe and well."

The piece, which now adorns the side of a Pilgrims Hospice charity shop in Whitstable high street, depicts an exhausted-looking medic.

Wearing a white coat and face mask with a stethoscope slung around his neck, he pinches the bridge of his nose and closes his eyes, his face turned towards the floor.

But behind him, his shadow does not match his dejected posture.

Instead, it shows the silhouette of an upright superhero, wearing a cape.

Speaking exclusively to KentOnline, Catman said he was inspired to create the piece by loved ones who have worked in the health service.

"My mum, dad, aunt, grandmother and best friend have all worked, or still work for the NHS and it has always been close to my heart," he said. "So I felt it important on my part to touch on the subject and show how much admiration we all feel right now."

Whitstable residents have been full of praise for the new artwork.

"You're wonderful - keep up the good work in our little town," wrote Rita Brown, while Gordon Smith added: "Not all heroes wear capes...love it."

It is not the first time Catman has used his medium to make poignant comments about current affairs, having previously created artwork touching on key topics such as Brexit and plastic pollution.

He is also well-known for his “shop local” and “drink local” pieces promoting Whitstable's independent shop scene, and an image of the Queen riding a hoverboard in the town

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