Kent’s largest estate agent has donated £1 million to a local charity to help support vulnerable children.

Arun Estates, which includes Wards, Cubitt and West, Douglas Allen and Pittis, has been donating £100 for every property valuation they attend since September.

The group has recently completed their 10,000th valuation, hitting their target of £1 million.

The funds raised has been donated to Barnardo’s, a charity that helps look after vulnerable children in the local area.

The donation from Arun Estates has already been used to start supplying food vouchers, clothes and electrical appliances to those in need in and around the South East.

The decision to donate money to children came as a response to the cost of living crisis.

Arun Estates managing director Aldo Sotgiu said: “In times of financial crisis charities often suffer the most so we chose to help in the best way we could.

“Donating such a huge amount with the help and support of our colleagues and customers is a great feeling, we just hope other people in more fortunate positions can do the same in the coming months.”

The partnership between Barnardo’s and Arun Estates aims to change the lives of thousands of young people in and around the county.

Emma Bowman, Barnardo’s regional director for the South East, said: “We are so impressed with the commitment and dedication shown by estate agents Cubitt and West, Douglas Allen, Pittis and Wards who have reached the £1 million mark, enabling us to offer vital support to families across the South East.

“We would like to extend a huge thank you to all colleagues involved because this was no mean feat and it really will make a difference to those who are being affected by the cost of living crisis which is driving more families into poverty.”

The estate agent group is now looking to others in the industry to support local communities during the first few months of 2023 with the ongoing cost of living crisis.