A 15th century landmark could be in line for renovation.

The Friends of Milton Regis Court Hall, a group set up to restore the medieval building, has gained charity status to help restore the 461-year-old site.

The Court Hall last functioned as a museum but has been standing empty for eight years.

Friends spokesman John Clancy said: “You’ve got to really struggle and fight to get recognised, so this is really quite exciting for the group.”

Local historian Mr Clancy, 73, of Woodside Gardens, said the group’s aim is to have the hall up and running in its previous guise as a small museum.

He said members wanted to revive it to promote the history of Milton, but insisted it would take time and funding.

“An informal survey showed there was about £20,000 worth of work needed to restore the building,” he said.“It’s owned by Swale council, who have obviously got more important things to spend their money on.”

Mr Clancy said charity status would enable the group to apply for grants and “similar funding”.

He said as well as opening the hall as a museum, it’s planned to start an education programme involving members visiting schools to educate pupils about the history in their midst.

He claimed the venue’s importance is due to there being only one other surviving example in Kent, at Fordwich. He added: “This is why it is so important to preserve and maintain this historic building.

Mr Clancy, who has written several history books, has just had his latest project, Gillingham Through Time, published.

It is available from Sittingbourne Central Library, the heritage museum in East Street, and its unit at the Forum, and is priced £14.99.