A fundraising group is to be set up to prevent the closure of a unique archaeological project.

Since 2009, finds from an Anglo-Saxon burial ground at The Meads have been carefully investigated at CSI Sittingbourne (Conservation Scientific Investigation) in the Forum shopping centre.

A shop unit has been transformed into a laboratory, and more than 25,000 visitors have been able to watch the work to clean and conserve the artefacts, while 100 people have been trained to carry out the conservation.

Another shop opposite the lab has been turned into an exhibition about the excavation of The Meads housing development.

Sittingbourne Heritage Museum helped recruit the volunteers, while Dana Goodburn-Brown was employed to oversee the conservation work.

The project’s success has been recognised with an award from the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works and cited as an example of best practice by the National Heritage Science Forum.

But the future of the project is in doubt after its funding ran out, and work to conserve the 2,500 artefacts, recovered from 229 graves, had to cease.

To keep it going, a Friends of CSI Sittingbourne group has been set up.

It is due to meet for the first time on Friday.

Interim chairman Peter Morgan said the work needed to continue so the remaining artefacts could be properly conserved.

“It’s important we complete the story,” he added.

“The things that were found are unique in the whole of Great Britain.

“If we can raise £60,000 it can continue for another year.”

The friends group intends to approach grant-providing organisations. Membership is open to anyone aged over 16.

The inaugural meeting is due to take place tonight at 7pm at Phoenix House, in Central Avenue
Sittingbourne.

All are welcome.