The Dover Harbour Board panel met and discussed 27 “high quality” applications for the advertised position of community director last week.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview on September 18 or 19 and will be met by the panel – which includes the leader of DDC, Paul Watkins, the deputy Mayor of Dover, Sue Jones, and MP, Charlie Elphicke.

Alongside the locally elected representatives, candidates will also meet with independent chairmen of the Port and Community Forum and the Port Users Group.

They will be joined by members of the board's own nomination committee and the chairman of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.

Chief executive at the port, Tim Waggott said: “It is very encouraging that we received such a substantial response as we continue the momentum of working together with our community to deliver for Dover.

"I would like to personally thank everyone who has taken the time to express an interest in the role for their commitment to being part of a shared vision for the future.”

He added: “Local elected representatives form around one third of the interview panel.

“We feel the group reflects an equitable distribution of responsibility and input between locally elected representatives, independent community and customer representatives and Dover Harbour Board itself.”