A piece of forgotten history has been reclaimed at Lafarge’s old Hilton pit quarry.

A cement wagon 'lost' for more than 80 years, has been uncovered on the Halling site and is being restored to its former glory.

It was discovered during survey work as part of proposals for the construction of Lafarge’s new Medway cement works at Holborough.

Surveyors found the wagon on an old rail track, still carrying its loads of chalk.

It was part of a train of four wagons, abandoned when the old cement and lime works were closed in 1925.

It is one of two wagons left intact, while the others have rusted away, and will be placed on display.

Reconstruction work is underway and is being done by the Valley of Visions Landscape Partnership Scheme, a three-year Heritage Lottery Fund project.

Jennifer Smith, from Valley of Visions, said: “This railway cart is a small but fascinating piece of industrial history.

“It’s a reminder of the area’s rich industrial past.”

Hilton was one of the many cement works on the River Medway.

It was open from 1873 to 1925. In 1900 it became part of Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers and the old quarry is still owned by APCM’s successor, Lafarge Cement.

Chalk was quarried west of Halling and transported in small railway wagons to the cement and lime works.