Eastchurch, Warden Bay and Leysdown will each be getting three new benches – all for free.

The wooden seats were unveiled this week following an initiative launched by Big Local Eastern Sheppey, a group set up to oversee £1m of funding for community projects for the east end of the Island.

Members got in touch with HMP Standford Hill to inquire about purchasing benches made by its inmates but instead the prison offered to make them for free.

Sarah Williams of Swale CVS, who is on the Big Local Eastern Sheppey committee, said: “We held consultations in the local area and the community had asked for additional seating and it was the parish councils that decided where the benches will go.”

Other initiatives being planned by the group include street games, such as hopscotch, and a project coordinator is being recruited for the area.

Another scheme still in its infancy is a cycle for hire service.

The third and final round of bids for a community chest, which organisations are able to apply for up to £500 from, ends on May 11.

Email sarah.williams@swalecvs.co.uk or phone 01795 473828 for an application form or more information.