Plans to turn the Duke of York's School at Dover into a military academy have been announced.

Defence Minister Kevan Jones and Schools Minister Jim Knight were at the school on Wednesday to announce the change.

It follows four months of talks by the Ministers with Dover MP Gwyn Prosser about the school's future funding.

“I warmly welcome the proposals to invest some £30 million into the expansion and refurbishment of the Duke of York’s Military School," said Mr Prosser.

“The Duke of York’s is a very good school, it provides quality education for the children of service personnel and it enjoys a good reputation in the local community but until now it has been wholly funded from the Ministry of Defence and has to had to compete with the main military budget for it’s resources.

"The Duke of York’s is in good hands and has a bright and secure future.”

The school has provided education for children of servicemen and women since 1803.

It will become Britain's first military academy when it is given the new status next year and will receive £37 million in funding.