A charity set up to improve Sheerness has welcomed a new patron and could be set to take on a new office.

Will Palin – son of Monty Python star Michael – has agreed to become a patron of the Sheerness Enhancement Association for Leisure (SEAL).

The former secretary of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, who owns a house in Naval Terrace, has joined the charity to help revive plans for a new bandstand in the Beachfields area of the town.

SEAL treasurer Chris Foulds said: “I think he will be a valuable asset to SEAL.

“He is very keen on the bandstand, that is his sort of thing.

“I have known Will for a couple of years. I asked him just before Christmas and he was honoured to join.”

He hopes Mr Palin’s experience, such as his work to protect the Dockyard Church in Blue Town, will add clout to other projects in the future.

SEAL is also in talks to take over a vacant shop from Swale council on a seven-year lease.

The former bait and tackle shop in Marine Parade, Sheerness, could be renovated and turned into offices with a reception area for people to come in and see displays of upcoming projects.

The charity put in a formal application in spring last year and no objections were raised.

Mr Foulds said: “We are gaining a bit of a presence locally and things are getting a bit heavy for me to deal with on my own.”

SEAL hopes to get prisoners from HMP Standford Hill in to help redecorate.

The proposed skate park for Beachfields is awaiting the results of a survey carried out on the land before it will be put out to tender.

Youngsters who have helped raise money for the park will give a presentation at the next Sheppey Local Engagement Forum on March 12.

• SEAL’s annual meeting will take place in Friday, March 22, at Brian’s Cookers, Beach Street, Sheerness, at 7pm. Anyone interested in joining on a voluntary basis, as a member or to help out with admin, is also invited. Contact SEAL on 01795 661979 or info@seal-leisure.co.uk