Plans to transfer Folkestone's iconic memorial arch, built to honour the sacrifices made by soldiers in the First World War, to the district council have been approved.

The large steel monument, which stands at the top of the Road of Remembrance, pays tribute to the millions of troops who paraded through the town and down to the harbour on the way to the battlefields between 1914 and 1918.

The £500,000 project was the brainchild of the Step Short charity - named after the ‘step short’ order given to soldiers marching down the steep hill - and was officially opened by Prince Harry in August 2014.

But now the charity has decided to 'wind up' and asked Folkestone and Hythe District Council to take over the running of it.

The transfer was given the go ahead at this week's cabinet meeting.

An annual budget of £6,000 is to be allocated for the monument’s upkeep - including cleaning costs and insurance - plus maintenance of the existing Step Short website.

Cllr David Wimble, cabinet member for the district economy, said: "Folkestone and Hythe has a proud military history and the Step Short commemoration memorial arch has quickly become a major part of sharing that story.

"It is an extremely important asset for the district - not just as a nod to the important role Folkestone had in the First World War, but also as an impressive structure which attracts tourists from across the globe.

"The charity trustees have done a fantastic job bringing this idea to fruition and organising what was a significant and impressive event for the district in 2014, as well as subsequent anniversary ceremonies until 2018.

"This transfer means the legacy of that work can continue to grow for years to come."

Before the proposal was approved, members of the cabinet commented on their "surprise" that Folkestone Town Council had not wished to take on the memorial.

It was also noted that any funds left in the Step Short charity's bank account when it disbands will be passed to the council.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

To read about the Armed Forces and how they have served Kent and beyond, click here.