Nearly 1,300 visitors have been through the doors of Milton’s historic Court Hall in just six months.

The medieval building was opened up in April thanks to the Friends of Milton Regis Court Hall.

During its first season of opening on Saturdays between April and September, 885 adults and 385 children have been to have a look.

Those figures were in stark contrast to visitor numbers in recent years, which had deteriorated significantly from the 1970s, when several hundred people a year were attracted.

Friends chairman Dr Michael Baldwin said: “It was with some trepidation that we signed the lease last year, knowing we only had those figures to go on.

"But our worries vanished when we opened for the National Heritage Open Weekend in 2014 and for Christmas later that year.

“We are reassured that the figures for this year have confirmed that the Court Hall continues to provide a rich vein of interest for visitors.

“It is a jewel in Swale’s heritage crown. What we need to do now is to look forward to see what we need to do to ensure that these figures are maintained.”

Among the most popular items, particularly for children, have been a mammoth’s tusk and mystery objects which people have to guess what they are used for.

Visitors have also been keen to study maps and photographs of Milton which show how much it has changed over the years.

Dr Baldwin said it was important for the museum’s displays to be regularly updated and he praised curators Mike Nicholls and Janet Halligan for cataloguing numerous artefacts.

A new webmaster has been appointed to give the Friends’ website a fresh look, with the hope of attracting visitors from further afield, and fundraising for the Court Halls programme of repairs and renovations continues.

The Friends intend to continue to take part in National Heritage Open Weekends, which help to raise the profile of the venue.

People can contribute by becoming a member of the Friends group and details are available from Paul David by calling 01795 471876.

• For more, visit www.friendsofmiltonregiscourthall.co.uk