It has taken almost nine years, but the John George Jordan Bequest Fund has run dry.

When the life-long Milton Regis resident died in 2006, he left his estate to the Sittingbourne Society to be used for the benefit of the people of the area. The society has given out 57 grants, averaging £5,000, to groups and organisations in Milton.

Among those that have benefited are schools, bowling clubs, Milton Creek Country Park, children at the homeless hostel, the war memorial, and the church.

The total given out is £270,156, with the last two grants, totalling £1,900, going to Milton Court Primary Academy. Head teacher Jason Pearn said: “We are very grateful to the Sittingbourne Society for this generous donation to our school.

“The money has been split between two projects, with £1,200 for updating the class and school library with new and engaging reading books and materials. The other £700 is to purchase additional playtime equipment with a focus on outside maths-based games and materials to push maths learning through play.”

Deputy head teacher Tony Hadfield said: “Our playground markings are in desperate need of new life so we are purchasing a line-marking machine to bring a sparkle back to the area for the children at play and lunch.”

Sittingbourne Society committee member Richard Calvert said: “The people of Milton Regis can thank John Jordan for his generosity, which has touched the lives of hundreds of people.”