The controversial Sheppey Zulus are to reform after a year hiatus.

The group of fundraisers, who wear black face paint and fuzzy wigs, disbanded last November after 86 years due to dwindling membership and "political correctness".

But now, the all-male group is to get back together to continue raising money for good causes.

A message of the Sheppey Zulus and Friends Facebook page says: "The Sheppey Zulus are a local group that has been re-formed to raise money for the local community.

"In the past the group had raised thousands of pounds for local good causes and is a tradition I could not let die.

"We are currently recruiting new members. You must be 18+.

"Let's bring this great tradition back!! Sheppey Zulus needs you."

The wild-eyed warriors were a firm fixture at carnivals and events for decades, but faced a social media backlash six years ago.

They can trace their birth back to the summer of 1929 when sailors from HMS Endeavour at the Royal Naval Dockyard dressed up for the carnival.

The tradition was carried on by stevedores when the docks were privatised in the 1960s.

During the 1970s and 80s the Zulus ‘landed’ on Sheerness beach in carnival week, with soot and flour battles, and would ‘kidnap’ maidens for their cooking pot.

The men would apply their black paint, called Grimace, with beer, and rinse it off in communal baths.

The first meeting is at 8pm on Monday.