Volunteers have signed a temporary lease to take over the running of a club for young people that was set to close its doors.

The Times Guardian reported a group was in discussions with Kent County Council (KCC) to enable it to use the Sheerness County Youth Centre, Broadway, Sheerness.

Registered charity Sheerness Youth has been given permission to provide youth facilities from the building for a peppercorn rent.

An 18-month lease is yet to be signed, but the agreement was made to enable it to open this month.

It is now appealing to Island organisations for donations as well as beginning to apply for grants from national charities.

Youth worker Ray Featherstone, who retired from KCC at the end of 2012, is one of 10 trained staff giving up their time for free.

The 68-year-old said: “We need extra funding, our first line will be to go to our friends and supporters and maybe lottery grants for the big projects.

“We haven’t got much money, we can keep the lighting and heating going and we can pay the rent but beyond that we will need some support, so any donations will be most welcome.”

Mr Featherstone said the name may retain the “County” due to popular demand but he will look at changing it in the future.

The club was due to open its doors again on Tuesday.

Cheques should be made out to Sheerness Youth and sent to Sheerness County Youth Club, Broadway, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 1TP.

• Anyone who would like to donate towards Sheerness Youth can call 01795 662808, email sheernessyouth@live.co.uk for more information