A new sculpture that celebrates Kingston’s aviation heritage has been given a flying start with a grant from the Mayor of London.

The Paper Trail figure, of 54 swirling paper aeroplanes, will be installed at the Kingston College Roundabout after a cash boost of £90,000 from Boris Johnson’s Outer London Fund allowed work to start.

Kingston University students Michael Antrobus and Tom Kean designed the sculpture, which celebrates the role played by Kingston in the aircraft industry, and was temporarily stalled until funds became available.

It is hoped the artwork on the roundabout, at the junction of Penrhyn Road and Kingston Hall Road, will also create a gateway into the town centre.

Councillor Frances Moseley said: “I hope this sculpture will become a local landmark in its own right and will serve as a fitting entrance to the town centre.”

The work is due to start on Monday, February 27, and is expected to last for three to four weeks.