A quirky mini-museum needs new trustees and volunteers.

Sheppey's Cottage of Curiosities is looking for a treasurer, secretary and buildings secretary plus people to show visitors around.

Secretary Janys Thornton said: “Following the sad death of Jim Enright, Sheppey's 'real' Father Christmas, we are seeking new volunteers to support the cottage when we reopen to the public on April 1.

"As well as losing Jim, we have lost two volunteers to paid employment and another to ill-health.

"On top of that, two trustees had already said they were stepping down after more than eight years.”

Keven Lee, who is also handing over maintenance of the two-up, two-down end-of-terrace house in Rose Street, Sheerness, said: "It’s time for some new blood to help revitalise the cottage.”

The Grade II-listed premises and its neighbours are the only remaining homes on Sheppey which were built for Sheerness Dockyard workers in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Their roofs were made of Welsh slate and the fronts were weather-boarded using timber or "chips" from the docks.

The cottage was formerly home to the Kicks family of shipwrights but has also been used as a furniture shop and Curd’s wet and dry fish and chip shop.

It features many period objects donated by Islanders and also hosts arts events and workshops. On Saturdays in the summer it serves cream teas in its back garden.

The cottage, which is also a member of the Wheels of Time campaign to promote museums to children, first opened at the Sheerness Heritage Centre in 1989 but was renamed in 2015 when it came under the umbrella of Sheppey Promenade arts charity.

The building is owned by Swale council. Sheppey Promenade leases it and pays rent, all utility bills and is responsible for internal maintenance.

It generates funds through grants, donations, merchandising and special events. It is run entirely by volunteers.

Jim Enright, of Barton Hill Drive, Minster, died in December aged 89.

The retired crane driver, who worked at Bowaters in Sittingbourne, was a larger-than-life character and a member of Big Fish Arts band.

The dad-of-two was also a drummer, and later manager, of Island group The Rebounds.

The treasurer, secretary and buildings secretary are responsible for the accounts; liaising with the council and tourist organisations and ensuring the building is maintained.

Volunteer roles include meeting and greeting visitors, looking after the displays and helping to organise exhibitions.

Call Chris Reed on 07775 712306 or Janys Thornton on 07856 328592 for more information.