The group behind the restoration of a historic sailing barge built near Sittingbourne is preparing to recruit volunteers.

Raybel Sailing Barge is steeped in decades of history after it was built at Lloyd Wharf in Milton Creek in 1920.

Following a fundraising campaign reaching £18,000, a further £680,000 was given to a community interest company set up to restore the vessel by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

It arrived back to its home berth at the end of October after a three-part trip which started in September from Haybridge.

As a condition of the funding, the restoration has to be supported by the community.

The first drop-in session for potential volunteers will be held on Tuesday between 7pm and 8.30pm at Lloyd Wharf.

There will be a chance to learn about the history of the boat, the restoration process, have a look around and discuss how you can use the Raybel to support community activities in Sittingbourne.

Organisers want to hear from anyone who has an interest in local history, or has family barge stories as well as community activists who could use it.

The project is being supported by the Dolphin Barge Museum.

Visit www.raybelcharters.com for more information.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne