The Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) has received a huge donation to help extend their Centenary Village for veterans and their families.

Kent's military charity who are based in Aylesford have been backed to the tune of a £750,000 by Barratt Developments plc, the biggest housebuilder in the country.

The Centenary Village at the headquarters will include a further 24 living spaces designed to meet the needs of some of their most vulnerable residents.

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RBLI has been providing care, support and employment for veterans since it was founded in 1919, after the end of the First World War saw the demand for such care rise hugely.

David Thomas, chief executive of Barratt Developments, said: “This is the largest donation in our company’s 60-year history. RBLI and Barratt have a lot in common, with both organisations providing housing, building communities, employing ex armed forces personnel and marking significant anniversary milestones.

"This is why we wanted to support them as they look to build the Centenary Village.

“We are immensely proud to stand alongside RBLI in the development of this project and help this amazing charity continue to provide crucial housing support to ex-servicemen and women.”

A new community centre for former military personal and their families will be built in the village to provide various kinds of welfare support.

Steve Sherry, chief executive of RBLI, said: “We believe that those who have served, many of whom were injured, disabled, or have developed health needs as a result of their time in service, deserve our support. Their sacrifice, and that of their families, is profound, which is why we are doing everything we possibly can to be here for those in need.

“Next year marks a significant milestone for the organisation which has supported thousands of ex-service personnel since we were established.

“We are completely focused on how we can meet the ongoing and complex needs of ex-service personnel and their families for the next hundred years. We would like to thank Barratt Developments for their extremely generous donation and for backing our most ambitious project yet.”

The original RBLI village provides housing, welfare support and care to over 300 members of the Armed Forces community, facilities include a purpose-built nursing home, supported living apartments and emergency accommodation for veterans.