A fairground is advertising for horror fans to work on its ghost train.

Carlos Christian, who runs Smith's Family Funfair, is looking for someone a 'bit frightening' to scare visitors at the fair this summer.

The fairground, which is based at Iwade, near Sittingbourne, opens to the public on Friday. Auditions will be held at Leysdown on the Isle of Sheppey this Saturday (July 24) from 12.30pm.

Mr Christian said: "This would be the ideal job for a horror enthusiast or a Goth. The winning candidate will be a bit frightening and spooky but not so much that they scare the living daylights out of visitors."

He added: "We are looking for people who can interact with the public and perhaps have a bit of mechanical knowledge as they will be required to help set up the ride and take it down. It might suit a drama student, budding actor, entertainer or someone who likes amateur dramatics.

"The job is open to anyone, men, women, werewolves, witches or vampires. It needs a varied a diverse skill-set."

Mr Christian said: "Like many companies, we have been struggling to get staff during the coronavirus pandemic. We normally advertise at the JobCentre but we thought this vacancy needed something special so we are holding these X-Factor style auditions."

Those applying need to turn up in their own horror costumes. Even if they don't get the part, everyone will be a winner - all candidates will get free fairground ride tickets.

The successful candidate will be put to work on the antique Graveyard Express owned by Reece Brett, 38. It is one of the oldest still working in the south east.

Mr Christian said: "Reece normally takes it to the Isle of Wight for the summer holidays but because of Covid he has decided to join me on the Isle of Sheppey."

Ghost trains have been in Mr Brett's family since 1947 and cover four generations. His grandmother's ghost train is in the Dingles Funfair Heritage Centre. Little Reece, 12, is the latest to join the family business.

Mr Christian said: "Remuneration will be based on experience. If the successful candidate is really good and enjoys travel they may be asked to carry on touring with the fair."

KentOnline reporter John Nurden has agreed to be a guinea pig for the auditions.

The ghost train will stay on Sheppey until August 30. For more information, call Mr Christian on 07969 465579.

Read more: All the latest news from Sheppey