A thriving local history group is looking forward to preserving important research documents.

The work has been made possible thanks to a generous grant from the bequest of a local benefactor.

The Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne has received £1,280 from the John Jordan fund.

Milton Regis resident Mr Jordan left his property and oil paintings to the Sittingbourne Society, requesting that proceeds should benefit residents and organisations of Milton Regis.

Thousands of pounds have been distributed during the past two years with all grants adminstered by the Sittingbourne Society.

Chairman Mrs Joyce Fuller presented the cheque to Alan Abbey, chairman of the HRGS.

Mr Abbey said: “We are delighted to receive this grant which will enable us to better protect and preserve the Milton documents and images left in our care.

“The money will allow us to buy the specialist and expensive acid free storage materials we urgently need.

“We have documents from the 18th century and photographs from this decade, and if they are to survive as a record of our history and heritage for future generations, they both require the same care and attention.

“We are pleased to play our part in the conservation of our past's future.

"If anyone has documents or images they would like to donate relating to the history of our area we would be only too pleased to accept them into our care.”

Any enquiries concerning the archive centre should be made to enquiries@hrgs.co.uk or call 01795 873379, or visit the website www.hrgs.co.uk