A lottery grant of £452,687 will help children of parents in east Kent who misuse drugs and alcohol.

The KCA (Kent Council on Addiction), which is based in Faversham, has received the money from the Big Lottery Fund's Reaching Communities programme.

KCA UK’s Sunlight Project will use the money to help children living with substance-dependent parents.

Director of young person’s services for KCA, Claire Goulding, said: "This is fantastic news for KCA and the young people and children the Big Lottery Fund award will support.

“Children from families where substance misuse is a big problem are among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society.

"We are thrilled to be able to continue and expand the work that we have been doing in deprived areas of Kent, where this work is vital to the well-being of these children."

The money will enable KCA to expand its project, which includes engaging young people in confidence-building activities such as drama, sport, art and music.

The ongoing activities will also help them to develop coping skills and some understanding of their parent’s problem as well as the chance to have fun, express themselves and build relationships.