More than £7,500 is still available to groups looking to promote the borough’s history through community projects.

Swale council created a £10,000 funding pot through its Heritage Grant Scheme last year and so far has provided £3,450 to six initiatives.

The local authority is now encouraging other applicants to come forward to bid for up to £1,000 each to improve their areas.

Cllr Mike Whiting, cabinet member for localism, said: “I launched the scheme last year and we have had a great response, but there is still some funding available.

“We want to make sure people are able to appreciate the rich heritage of the borough, so I would urge groups and organisations to come forward so that we can get the money spent.”

Successful grants so far include a project improving signs to help tourists find the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway, one to help digitise the Fleur de Lis Museum collection in Faversham and providing a second tour at Queenborough Guildhall Museum.

To find out more about the scheme, or to apply for funding, email brookebuttfield@swale.gov.uk or call 01795 417155.