A popular heritage centre has closed its doors for the last time.

The Amherst Heritage Centre (AHC), based at Fort Amherst, Chatham, has closed after four years of educating youngsters about the history of the Towns.

The AHC had been asked to join with a separate charity, the Fort Amherst Heritage Trust, which owns the site, but decided to remain independent and leave their premises.

The AHC has introduced more than 7,000 youngsters to Fort Amherst through its Red Coat birthday parties and Second World War experiences for schools. The AHC, which employs three people, is now in negotiations to open new premises elsewhere in Medway and has pledged to continue its work.

A spokesman for the charity said: “We were given the options of merging with the trust which owns the site or to leave. We felt it was in the best interests of the charity to leave.

“We will continue to operate outside of Fort Amherst on the existing telephone lines and will honour any bookings made.

“We would like to thank those who supported the operation, though generous donations and funding.”