The Museum of Tales - Medway's first 'cyber-attraction' has finally opened its doors.

The online museum, created by Chatham Illustrator Mark Barnes, will house a collection of illustrated tales created in response to stories and anecdotes gathered from Medway residents.

Mark's MOT project was the winner of the 2007 Chatham Vines Public Art Award, sponsored by Medway Council's regeneration unit Medway Renaissance.

Since it's launch in July, heralded by two billboard posters on The Brook and Globe Lane, Chatham, the project has been causing quite a stir amongst the people of Medway.

Mark said: "The response to the project has been incredibly positive.

"My task is to translate the material I'm being offered by the public into pictures so I can share what I have learnt with everyone.

"The idea behind the project is to get people excited about local heritage - there is far more to Chatham than meets the eye, believe me!"

Certain rooms in the museum are still under construction, most importantly the Exhibition Hall that will house the collection of illustrated stories.

The first exhibit is currently on the drawing board but the details of it are a closely guarded secret. Mark hinted that it concerns the only successful invasion Chatham has seen in its long history.

The museum is still looking for help from the public, particularly about ghost stories linked to the Great Lines. These may be linked to the disturbance of a Saxon burial ground in the late 18th Century.

Stories can be emailed to story@museumoftales.com or posted to Museum of Tales, The New Art Centre, 272 High Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 4BP.

There will be a special publication issued in 2008 to accompany an exhibition of the illustrated stories. All contributors to the collection of tales will receive a signed copy.

To view the museum visit www.museumoftales.com