UKP Leisure Club has changed its name to Appleyard.

After 100 years of being linked to the town's paper-making industry as the social club for UK Paper staff it has reinvented itself as an entertainment hub in the heart of the Garden of England.

Mike Farrow, the club’s managing director, said: “As the club celebrates its centenary we felt it deserved a major revamp and a name change.

“People in Sittingbourne still believe they must have worked at the paper mill or be a member to visit us. But everyone is welcome. Hopefully, this will encourage more families to see what we have to offer.”

The bar has been given a facelift and both foyer areas are being refurbished. New signs are now on show outside the building in the Avenue of Remembrance.

Mr Farrow said: "We have modernised the venue to a fantastic standard and introduced a new menu with flame-grilled steaks and gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options."

The club will reopen on Saturday.

The first event under the new banner is this Sunday with Arsenal soccer legend Paul Merson.

The footballer, who was capped 21 times by England, spent the majority of his career at Arsenal.

Dubbed the “Magic Man” by fans, the midfielder went on to play for Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Walsall but is now better known as a Sky TV pundit.

He will be talking about his life and career.

The night is to raise funds for the Sittingbourne-based Sporting Tree Foundation.

Organiser Suzi Rawes, the charity’s founder and chairman, said: “It promises to be a fantastic night of entertainment for all sport enthusiasts.”

Last year, the charity hosted an evening with World Cup legend Sir Geoff Hurst and raised £6,000 to help young sportsmen and women by funding equipment or paying for after-school and lunchtime clubs.

There will be an auction, raffle and a chance to ask Mr Merson questions and buy souvenirs.

Tickets start at £30 with VIP deals at £50 and £75. To book, call the club on 01795 427852 or visit booking company Eventbrite

For more details of the charity's work, visit www.stfcharity.co.uk