Volunteers are needed to join a new group called Friends of Leysdown.

The team wants to apply for grants not available to the parish council or Big Local Eastern to smarten up Sheppey's tourist hotspot.

Its first target is the memorial bandstand which needs a new floor.

Cllr Paul Day, a parish councillor and toastmaster, said: "There are some things the parish council can't get grants for because it is not a registered charity. So a group of us would like to start a new organisation to help.

"We'd like it to get charity status or become a not-for-profit organisation."

He said: "The bandstand is one of the best in the country but it has never had its floor finished. We'd like to have it covered in resin in the shape of a big red poppy to remind everyone of its First World War connection. We are already getting quotes for that and extra paving."

Cllr Day from Sea Approach, Bayview, has teamed up with parish council chairman Cllr Malcolm Pamplin and Evelyn Howell of the village hall committee and Over-60s club.

He said: "We'd like half-a-dozen like-minded people passionate about Leysdown to get on board. We'd like support from holiday parks whose visitors stand to benefit from some of our ideas."

The shopping list includes a Welcome To Leysdown sign. They have already been offered a boat they are hoping to place near the 30mph signs and plant with flowers.

Cllr Day said: "We want to shout about what we have, like our aviation history, award-winning beaches and fossils. It is frustrating not more people know what we have to offer."

Big Local, which was set up with £1 million of National Lottery cash, is taking over the former police station as a community hub which could be used to store bandstand chairs now kept in the open.

The village hall needs to extend its kitchen and there are hopes of organising a Leysdown In Bloom competition. The promenade also needs lighting. The team also wants to support the newly-opened Curly's Farm which provides free holidays for adopted, fostered and disabled children.

To help, call parish clerk Nicola Scott on 01795 511277 or email leysdownpc@btconnect.com

Read more: Stories from the Isle of Sheppey here.