It only opened its doors six weeks ago, but a community arts centre is already being described as a great success.

The pART project at Unit 16 of The Forum shopping centre, Sittingbourne, was set up to connect people with their creativity and showcase the best of what Sittingbourne has to offer.

It is run by the Swale Arts Forum in collaboration with Litter Angels and the Sittingbourne Retail Association.

Other working partners include The Polka Dot Art Centre in London Road, Teynham, and Swale council.

There is a gallery/shop space which sells works by local artists and an information hub where people can pick up leaflets about events and attractions in the area.

Artists from Polka Dot deliver workshops for young people every Thursday from 4pm to 5pm, while local poet and storyteller Jim Tipp holds Storytime for babies and toddlers every Tuesday between 10.30am and 11am.

Crafter Wendy Hayler runs the adult knit and natter group called Woolley Minded. It is designed for all ability levels and is held on Fridays from 10am to noon.

Project leader Sioux Peto said: “It is only here for six months and we are testing ideas with more workshops and happenings for the future.

Please pop in and see what’s new and give us your ideas. October saw us working with Kent Libraries with story-based workshops and The Book Project, which is a piece of public work.

“Sittingbourne Library and The Polka Dot donated more than 100 old, worthless and unloved books, which were destined to be pulped.

“They were given away on the proviso that they are returned as a piece of art.

“The window display is proof of its success. The wide and diverse range of creative works that have been returned from all ages and backgrounds is amazing.

“The public of Sittingbourne are definitely creative, the response has been stunning, each piece has a story and they are from all walks of life – we are so impressed.”

The team are working with the Sittingbourne Christmas Lights Association on a grotto and a wish tree.

The shop is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, but next month it will be open seven days a week with Thursday’s hours being extended to 7pm.