A picture of the famous sculpture, which was designed by Maurice Harron, appears on the recruitment page of the controversial anti-immigration group's website.

Mr. Harron said he "very surprised" that the party, which does not allow black or gay people to join, had chosen to use an image of his sculpture. "The sculpture has been used by hundreds of organisations all around the world for all sorts of purposes but I am very surprised at this one.

It is ironic because the piece represents the exact opposite of what the National Front represents. The sculpture is all about reconciliation and different traditions meeting and recognising each others self worth and history. It represents the dignity of the individual and two historical extremes coming together.

The base of the piece represents different cultures and traditions intertwining so it surprises me that is now being used for this purpose," he said.

The acclaimed artist also said the sculpture has become recognised throughout the world as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.

"It has become a well known symbol that has been used for tourism purposes and has featured in Time Magazine and newspapers all around the world to illustrate articles about the peace process. Perhaps this organisation decided to use it because it is so well known in an effort gain legitimacy," he said.

The National Front attracted significant public support during the 1970s and 1980s in Britain but that support has waned in recent years. The party has been widely criticised because of it's alleged connection to neo-Nazi groups.

It opposes immigration and its policy on the North calls for the border with the south to be sealed and for all IRA supporters to be "removed from the UK."

They also call for everyone in the North to swear an oath of allegiance to the UK. The spokesperson for the National Front in the North declined to comment on the use of the picture and no one was available at the party's headquarters at the time of going to press.