An England international rugby player will visit the town to attend a special sports fundraiser.

This year, Gore Court is celebrating the ruby year in its rugby hosting and training history.

To celebrate the club’s milestone, Hayden Thompson-Stringer, a member of England’s Under-20s World Cup-winning squad last year, will be making an appearance at the Gore Court Cricket Club boot fair on Sunday, July 12.

The star joined the club when he was just eight years old in 2003, before going on to play for his country and Aviva Premiership side Saracens.

As well as training budding young rugby players, the club also hosts cricket and hockey on its grounds.

Gore Court began as the Sun Inn Pub Rugby Team before changing its name to Bredgar RFC and later to Sittingbourne RFC in 1979.

With few players and no proper premises, it struggled during the 1980s and early 1990s until in 1993, then chairman Martin Lukehurst brought it to its current home at the Grove, London Road.

The club now boasts more than 200 youth rugby members and another 130 hockey and cricket youth players.

Club chairman Fred Nash said: “The fun day is about making people aware of the club.

“I’d like to get youngsters off their computers and get them outside.

“Hopefully, we’ll attract lots of new members.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the fete between 10am and 4pm at the club. There will be stalls, crafts, a fun fair, assault course, pony rides and a raffle.