Children from deprived backgrounds have been given a £40,000 boost from a borough council.

Swale council has backed the Children and Families charity, which runs Seashells children's centre in Rose, Street, Sheerness, on the Isle of Sheppey, by handing over the cash for a one-year pilot project supporting youngsters aged up to seven.

Jim Duncan, the charity's chief executive, said: "Children are affected the most from living in poverty. It can cause them to have limited life chances and being caught in the poverty trap as they become adults themselves.

“Addressing these issues early on can result in a good education, improved social skills and secure employment.”

Cllr Angela Harrison (Lab, Sheerness), the council's cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We are pleased to support Children and Families with their important work to support those dealing with the daily issues that come with the poverty cycle.

“Data from Kent County Council’s Child Poverty Statistical Bulletin in August last year showed that Sheerness sits within the top 10 per cent of the most deprived areas in Kent.

“We hope with this grant that we can support the charity as they work to break the cycle of poverty by addressing children’s health, development and educational inequalities early on, so they can have a brighter future.”

Cllr Hannah Perkins (Lib Dem, Abbey), deputy cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Children and Families works tirelessly in the community where help and support are really needed. We are pleased to grant them almost £40,000 towards their new pilot programme to support early childhood development on the Isle of Sheppey.”

Two councillors, Mike Baldock and Richard Palmer, recently gave up an afternoon to help run funfair rides so families from Seashells could ride for free.

The charity has also set up a "community pantry" to let families buy groceries at reduced rates.

For more information on Children and Families visit www.children-families.org

Read more: All the latest news from Sheppey