A grant awarded to the group behind the restoration of the Sheerness Dockyard Church will enable it to hold an open day and begin a programme of school activities.

The Whitehead Monckton Charitable Foundation recently gave £1,800 to the appeal.

The Sheerness Dockyard Preservation Trust will use the money to run a pilot scheme at Rose Street, Richmond Academy and St Edward’s this summer that will involve a range of fun, site visit activities linked to their curriculum.

It is hoped the initiative can be rolled out to other schools and groups.

Year 9 and 10 photography and art GCSE students from Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey will also be using the site to inspire new creative work as part of their courses.

The funding will go towards the trust’s first free creative open day at the church.

Summer Art Sunday will take place on July 26 between 1pm and 4pm and will be part of the Promenade Festival.

Artists, photographers and creative people of all ages and levels of experience are invited to come along and take inspiration from the building, which dates back to 1829, while it is still empty and free from scaffolding.

Experts will be on hand to provide advice and tips and there will be free activities for those children and grown-ups who wish to take part.

A display on the history of the church and some initial ideas for its future development will also be on show along with work created by school pupils and members of the trust will be there to chat to visitors.

Entry is free but donations to the restoration fund will be welcome.

Tours and activities will be on a first come, first served basis and practical clothing and sensible footwear is needed.

The trust regrets that access to the site is limited for anyone with mobility issues at this stage.