An artist is seeking suggestions for a series of "funny face" boards to be part of Sheppey's first Festival of the Sea in Sheerness this summer.

Richard Jeferies, 57, has been making the boards for several years for events across Swale and wants several display designs of the traditional seaside photo opportunity.

His work has been displayed at the Sheppey Sunset Seaside Stroll, Sittingbourne's 1920s' festival and Halloween "horrors" for Medway Maritime Hospital's children's ward.

He has already created a replica of himself into which sightseers can stick their heads and pretend to paint pictures.

But he says he needs inspiration for the rest. Suggestions already include pirates, mermaids, fish and seagulls.

He said: "I want everyone of all ages to submit designs. You don't have to be good at drawing. You just need to come up with an idea which our team of local artists can interpret and develop."

Swale council is stumping up cash for 20 boards which will go on display during the week-long Festival of the Sea in August during the school holidays. The event, which is hoped to become an annual attraction on the Island's calendar, is being put together by Sheerness Town Team volunteers in association with Sheerness Town Council.

Mr Jeferies said: "I want the whole community to take part. Fun face boards are really popular in other seaside towns. They are always great fun as families take turns to put their heads through the holes and take photos of each other. It will be a unique souvenir of their time in Sheerness. And it will be free."

The 4ft x 2ft plywood boards will make their debut in Beachfields Gardens on Monday, August 15.

The Festival of the Sea will include opportunities to learn about the Island's heritage on the Tuesday.

Wednesday will have a conservation theme and include beach cleans. Thursday will be focussed on children with pirates and mermaids and music and performances will take centre stage on the Friday.

The festival will culminate with the return of the Sheppey carnival in Sheerness on Saturday, August 20 with a giant funfair and free fireworks on the seafront.

Email fun face ideas here or send or take designs to the Sheppey Tourist Information Centre, Beachfields Gardens off Royal Road, Sheerness, ME12 1HH. Don't forget to include your name, age and address. Closing date is April 30. Entry is free.