EAST Kent is bracing itself for the Open Golf Championship in Sandwich in 2003 with an expected 160,000 visitors arriving for one of the world's top sporting events.

The district council cabinet has approved a project brief to help mastermind the management of the prestigious tournament, which is estimated to bring £40million into the local economy. "We hope the tourism potential will continue for the district after the Open," Cllr Ben Bano, the regeneration cabinet member, told the meeting.

The championship is being held at Royal St George's in July 2003 and the financial benefits of hosting the Open are expected to be considerable for many East Kent businesses.

Roger Madge, the district council's tourism and economic development chief, said when the tournament came to Sandwich nine years ago the council played an active role in the management of the event. "In 1993 120,000 people attended and because of the increase in the popularity of golf the figure is likely to be 160,000 next year. The council's role is essential in maximising the benefits to the local economy and to ensure positive media coverage for the region, but also to minimise the impact on essential services, such as refuse collection.

"The risks of not being involved in the acting planning of the project will inevitably result in lost economic benefits to the district, poor publicity and potentially, health and safety failures."

Cllr Simon Bannister suggested it would be a good idea to encourage visitors to arrive for the Open early and stay afterwards. The cabinet recommended the council approve the project brief which will now be discussed by the policy and services committee on Tuesday.