The first step has been made in bringing the Magna Carta back to the people of Sandwich and boosting tourism for the town.

The Toll Bridge Fund agreed to pay £35,000 at the meeting on Monday – but councillors stressed this is just to get the ball rolling and it is hoped the charity will get the money back.

It would mean Sandwich can take part in the Magna Carta Rediscovered touring exhibition, which will come to the town in September or October this year.

Speaking on behalf of the council, town clerk Laura Fidler said: “This will not only be a matter of historical and educational interest but should also bring in many visitors who, it is hoped, will enjoy the rest of this beautiful medieval town after visiting the exhibition.”

The Magna Carta and Charter of Forest were found in a scrapbook at Maidstone Library Archives in February.

At the meeting, Cllr Paul Carter and Cllr John Scollard raised concerns that the Toll Bridge Fund may never get its money back.

Cllr Scollard said: “I think it’s wrong to spend all this money to get them to be on the exhibition. If we don’t recover the cost we will never get that money back.”

The cost of conservation work will amount to £10,000. The two cases will be £6,000 each and the cost of insurance during transportation and when it arrives in Sandwich will bring the total to £35,000.

Cllr David Wood said: “It is a lot of money but bearing in mind its the 800th anniversary, the money is protecting it and making sure it arrives here safely. We have to take the opportunity to do it. It would benefit the town and after all the Toll Bridge Fund is for the benefit of people in Sandwich and I think we would regret not doing this.”

It was agreed conservation work would need to be carried out regardless of whether Sandwich takes part in the Visit Kent project and it is hoped the exhibition can be used as a promotion to gather financial support for a new museum.

The exhibition will last two-weeks and then the documents will be kept in the Strong Room at the Guildhall until the new museum is created at the Drill Hall opposite the Quay.

This will exhibit the Magna Carta, Charter of Forest and other historical artefacts which are kept at the Guildhall Museum.

Deputy Mayor, Cllr Pip Russell suggested there could be an entry charge and a gift shop to earn back the money.

The council will also apply for a Heritage Lottery grant to fund the purchase of the museum and is negotiating with the Ministry of Defence for use of the Drill Hall.

Discovery Park will donate £10,000 to the cause and is starting a Mercury-backed campaign to get traders and residents involved in bringing the precious documents back.

Ms Fidler added: “The local, national and international interest in these two documents has been incredible and the council believes that a museum displaying both documents together will be a major long-term educational and tourism asset for the town.”