Aerial images show the First World War trenches in Hoo from the air

An incredible network of First World War trenches built to train soldiers heading for the Western Front has been discovered on the Hoo Peninsula.

Invisible from the ground, they were found using aerial images taken close to Chattenden Barracks, near Rochester.

The discovery might lead historians to ret.ink the way soldiers were trained before being sent to the frontline for combat in the 1914-18 conflict.

Expert Martin Brown described the discovery as "very important" and that some of the trenches - used for experimentation - were just like those seen in Belgium.

The trenches will feature in a documentary called The Flying Archaeologist – The Thames' Secret War to be broadcast on BBC One tonight.

The programme will see archaeologist Ben Robinson fly along the River Thames to find parts of military history.

"What's fascinating is that the aerial photographs have illuminated part of our history which was almost forgotten," Mr Robinson told the show.

"They weren't just practising trench building at Chattenden, they were experimenting, they were trying to create new ways to keep the soldiers as safe as possible, as effective as possible."

Aerial archaelogist Ben Robinson features in the documentary

The first aerial sruvey of the area, using maps from English Heritage, established the Hoo Peninsula as being at the centre of the development of military technology.

"Much of the work done here was top secret and very few records were kept," Mr Robinson said.

"Experiments in trench design, airship construction and explosives all took place here and they had a profound effect on the course of WWI."

The research also revealed the world’s first Brennan torpedo launch point at Cliffe Fort.

Previously unidentified buildings were also identified as part of a complex where the Royal Navy designed, built and tested their airships.

Britain’s first purpose built anti-aircraft gun emplacement that lay in obscurity for decades has also been found.

The Flying Archaeologist - The Thames' Secret War will be on BBC One South East at 7.30pm tonight.

The full series - including a film of Stonehenge - is broadcast nationwide on BBC Four from Monday, April 29.