Rescue the Regent supporters are stepping up their campaign to save the distinctive Deal seafront building and turn it into an arts and cultural centre.

Members of the Regent Regeneration Association were busy collecting signatures in favour of its proposals, as well as stopping any possible development of the former bingo hall site.

Campaigner Gillian McCutcheon said: "We collected almost 300 signatures for our petition when we were outside St George's Church.

"Days earlier our plan had been considered by the district council’s scrutiny committee, which has been very sympathetic."

The meeting recommended to the council cabinet that RRA be given more time to prepare the business plan thoroughly.

In just five hours the previous weekend campaign group members collected 500 signatures on their petition.

Ms McCutcheon said: "We are working like mad to get the business plan as good and solid as we can although it is difficult to know what time scale we have. We have asked for four months.

"We have been absolutely encouraged by the fact that there is great enthusiasm and desire for what we are proposing."

RRA want to form a charitable trust to preserve, restore and convert the iconic building with its distinctive blue dome. They hope to create a landmark centre to help rejuvenate the seafront and provide an asset to east Kent as well as Deal.

Campaigners are calling for people to write or email in support of their proposal for regeneration of the Regent to Kent County Council leader Paul Carter, Dover District Council leader Paul Watkins and Deal Mayor Bill Gardner.

The group now also have its own website at www.rescuetheregent.com