Margate are the latest Kent club to go artificial.

They plan to rip up Hartsdown Park in a project set to take between eight and 10 weeks, and be completed in time for the start of the new Isthmian League Premier Division season in August.

Specialists S & C Slatter will carry out the work, and Gate say the new state-of-the-art 3G facility will be available for use 50 hours a week by the local community.

Margate Chairman Alistair Bayliss said: “This is a massive commitment from the new owners that have demonstrated in their first few weeks in charge that they are serious about moving this club forward as a project”.

“The installation of a new 3G surface will be the start of this club growing in stature both in football terms, financially and the local community.

"Without going into too much detail, this is just the first part of the plans.

"It is a hugely exciting time for the club and more importantly, the local area. I genuinely now hope people will realise how important this club will be to the community and get involved”.

“These types of pitches are becoming more familiar at this level and I think for clubs looking to grow this is the type of model that will become even more popular”.

The works are due to start as early as next week, and the club are offering supporters the chance to purchase a piece of the present pitch, in return for a donation

Two days have been set aside - Tuesday and Wednesday - between 10am and 5pm.