Purfleet Heritage & Military Centre is closing for three months from December for a refurbishment.

Its year will end with a public meeting and AGM when residents and supporters can find out about the plans for the centre.

The planned alterations will help with regular group visits, presentations and offer a refreshing change for visitors.

Spokesperson for the centre, Trevor Batchelor of Purfleet-on-Thames Forum, said: "You could help us, by offering your services.

"Our volunteer numbers have been increasing over the past year as the centre starts to grow.

"We are looking for more volunteers to help us: visitor assistants, exhibitions curator, archivists, display designers, fund raisers, tour guides, electricians.

"We are after a rota of people to run our tea bar, clean and care for our artefacts and museum.

"Your time, big or small, would be appreciated. Many hands make light work."