off to dartford #portaspilot tmrw...hearing exciting things, from community shops, markets & parking to digital. looking fwd 2 seeing myself

— mary portas (@maryportas) april 29, 2013

Retail guru Mary Portas has been in Dartford today.

Twelve towns were selected to be Portas Pilots – backed by the marketing guru – and each received a payout to spend on improving the area.

Dartford council's bid was one of over 370 applications received by the government.

Town centre manager Lewis Kirnon with council leader Jeremy Kite and Mary Portas in Dartford today.

It was Mary's first official visit to the town since Dartford was named a Portas Town last May.

She said: "There have been a few negative comments based around the Tesco development in Lowfield Street, but all the rest has been really rather lovely.

"What an energy Dartford has, some lovely buidings and it all flows and has a good vibe."

See this Thursday's Dartford Messenger for a full report.

great town team meeting in #dartford. good luck with the new initiatives #portaspilots

— mary portas (@maryportas) april 30, 2013