Government minister Nick Hurd visited the Riverside Centre in Gravesend, describing his trip as “inspirational”.

He came to hear about the government’s Big Society plans, of which £34,000 was pumped into the Riverside ward, and met with Community Organisers.

They have been working with people to uncover what is important to them about the Northcourt estate and to help them take action to improve their lives.

Mr Hurd said: “It’s been a fantastic inspirational morning. You can sit in an office in Westminster and devise a programme, but getting to meet people in their local community where the Community Organisers have really made a difference makes it become very real.

“The organisers have encouraged and motivated the residents to help them help themselves. The residents have set up a choir which is open to everyone and have really embraced getting things done as a community by organising activities for young people such as football clubs, sports days and more.

“I am proud to say that the residents and Community Organisers have restored pride to a community that had previously been named rat island.”

Community First, an £80million government initiative, is also helping to get people thinking about what they would like to change and offering small grants to get things done.

The Community Organisers Paddy Bates, Hannah Terry and Marc Canton are funded by the Office of Civil Society and have been trained to encourage local people to work together and make their community a better place to live.

Paddy Bates said: “It’s been a pleasure to meet the minister and hear the residents tell him about all the fantastic things that they have achieved in less than 10 months.

“It was also great to hear the local police, fire brigade and council talking about the positive impact that the residents involved have helped to make in the reduction of antisocial behaviour in Northcourt.”