Prince Charles has paid a visit to the county, to look at work to preserve hundreds of Winston Churchill's possessions for the nation.

The Prince of Wales, who is president of the National Trust, visited Chartwell near Westerham, which is Churchill's former family home, to learn about a fundraising appeal to conserve the items from his life and career.

A public appeal for £7.1 million was launched in September last year, which has now reached the £6 million mark, thanks to a grant of £3.45 million from the National Lottery and generous donations from the public and other organisations.

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The Prince was given a tour of the house and was able to see some of the objects that have been secured through the appeal.

They include Churchill’s speech box, a collection of more than 40 medals, freedom awards, drawings and paintings of Churchill’s parents, and a commemorative birthday book signed by almost every sitting MP in 1954 on his 80th birthday.

Money raised from the appeal will also enable new rooms and spaces to be opened, including Churchill’s bedroom, along with interactive and educational programmes.

Zoë Colbeck, Chartwell's general manager, said: "It was a great honour to welcome the Prince of Wales to Chartwell today and to introduce him to staff, volunteers and some of the many people across the world who have supported the appeal.

"We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of so many people. We’re delighted that we have almost reached our target but we will continue to fundraise so that we can complete our acquisition of the final objects in the collection, such as the Nobel Prize for Literature, and our wider project that will ensure Churchill’s legacy for future generations at the home he loved."

Last year marked 50 years since Chartwell was opened to the public.

For more on the project and the house, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell