An ambitious project is under way to open a museum of the moving image in Deal, bringing to life the Victorian era through to the 21st century.

David Francis, 77, and his wife Joss Marsh, 55, are the combined driving force behind the idea and described their plans as “exciting”.

Proposals have been sent to the district council to alter the detached building in Stanhope Road and the museum is expected to be open in two years.

The couple are keen to point out that their project will be an archive, a research library and an entertainment venue, with ever-changing exhibition galleries charting the history of the screen experience.

They have backing for the museum from many academics worldwide and chose to open in Deal as they love the town after visiting family who moved to the area. They now live in Beach Street.

Mrs Marsh said: “We care about Deal, our new home, and want the museum will be a real benefit to the community, both by serving local interests and by bringing visitors into the town.”

To find out more about the museum see the East Kent Mercury, August 9 edition.