An historic building will get a new thatched roof in a £100,000 conservation project.

Alfriston Clergy House in The Tye, Alfriston, will be surrounded by scaffolding while wheat straw is fixed to its roof.

Visitors will be able to watch the thatchers at work from September to December and learn more about this traditional craft through hands-on activities.

The building was bought by the National Trust as a virtual wreck for a token £10 in 1896 and was last completely rethatched in 1939.

Meanwhile, the trust is looking for volunteers at Bateman's, a Jacobean house that was home to Rudyard Kipling in Etchingham, near Hailsham, and at Bodiam Castle near Roberstbridge.

Volunteers act as gardeners and house and garden stewards, educate school groups and help run events. Specialist skills, such as IT and photography are also in demand. Call 01372 453401 or email se.volunteering@nationaltrust.org.uk