A council scheme to give groups cash to commemorate the First World War has been such a success, an additional £5,000 has been allocated.

Swale initially set aside £10,000 from which community organisations could bid for grants of up to £750.

So far, 19 groups have received money and taken part in a range of events aimed at remembering the 1914-18 conflict.

One recent recipient of £400 was the Sittingbourne & Milton District Scouts, who spend the money on a First World War-themed day where 250 cubs and scouts completed the 1914 Scout Test pioneered by the movement’s founder Robert Baden-Powell.

The boys, aged eight to 14, were entertained by volunteers showing them old war rifles and the uniforms that were worn.

Kathryn Shines, 45, the deputy district commissioner of the scouts, said: “They loved it – they loved finding out more about the First World War. There were lots of different bases and activities such as simulation war wounds – they really loved that!”

At the end of the day, the children were given wartime badges.

Council leader Cllr Andrew Bowles (Con) said: “Firstly, I am so pleased that as many as 19 different organisations put their cases to us and have been successfully awarded these funds.

“So far, we have helped a Home Front Group, a summer camp, a theatre production company, a village hall, a working men’s club...the list goes on.

“They are all worthy of being helped financially.

“Secondly, although we did not expect to use it, and certainly not within such a shorty space of time, we did have a contingency fund of a further £5,000, which I am delighted to make available to other deserving causes.

“It does go to show how important the commemoration of the First World War is to the people of Swale.”