A charity has hit out at plans for a fundraising "Tramps' Supper".

Campaigners for the homeless say the theme is insulting to people forced to live on Medway's streets.

The family evening at the Chatham Suburban Club is aimed at fundraising for the restoration of the Towns' famous historic paddle steamer, the Medway Queen.

But the event has angered volunteers who help needy people, some of whom have to sleep rough with little food or drink.

Guy Jordan, spokesman for Medway Justice for Homeless, said: “While it is a worthy cause

I think it is in bad taste to make money by exploiting the homeless.

“I would ask them to reconsider using the word 'tramp'.

“This is 2017 and you would not expect people to black up and dress up as ‘Black and White Minstrels’.

“I find it deeply offensive and insensitive, particularly as three people died sleeping rough in Chatham last winter.

“It is trivialising the plight of the homeless and rough sleepers in Medway and shows an incredible lack of judgement.”

Chas Berry, also from the homeless group, said: “I’ve not heard the term 'tramp' since the 1970s.

“It conjures up a picture of a man tramping around outside largely by choice.

“What we see today is homeless people on the street who have no choice.

“Language is important and this labelling is not helpful.

“While I am sure not intentional, I would urge them to think again.”

However, the Medway Queen Preservation Society has defended the November 17 event.

Spokesman Brian Goodhew said: “It was never our intention to be offensive.

“It is just a bit of fun. A tramp traditionally was a man who walked around sleeping in hedges and getting dishevelled along the way.

"I find it deeply offensive and insensitive, particularly as three people died sleeping rough in Chatham last winter" - Guy Jordan

“You would not associate his character with the homeless people of today.”

A spokesman for the club said it had no part in choosing the theme of the evening.

Its only role was in proving the venue.

Event organiser Clive Dyche, who belongs to the society, said: “It is not referring to homeless today.

“It goes back to my grandfather’s day when people would put on fancy dress and get together for some basic food.

“The fact we are inviting people to dress up as tramps is not upsetting in any way to people out on the street.

“The people who are coming along are anything but tramps and are doing it for a laugh.

“You would not take offence about dressing up for a vicars and tarts party.”

Mr Dyche added that as part of the agreed support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the society has to show involvement with the community.

He said: “We have quite a few elderly people both in the society and the club and this event fits the bill.

“We are a family community club fundraising for a worthy cause in the community.”

Prizes will be given for the best dressed adult, child, female and male tramp.

Proceeds will go to Medway Queen, which is currently undergoing refurbishment at Gillingham Pier.