A DATE is believed to have been ear-marked for the Installation of the new Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports - whoever it may be.

Prime Minister Tony Blair has indicated that an announcement on the appointment of a new Lord Warden is "imminent".

It is nearly two years since the previous Lord Warden, the Queen Mother, died at Easter 2002, aged 101.

Cllr Joe Trussler, speaker for the Confederation of the Cinque Ports and Mayor of Sandwich, wrote to 10 Downing Street and Buckingham Palace calling for an announcement to be made.

The names of Prince Andrew, Nelson Mandela, John Major and Bill Clinton have all been mentioned as possible candidates for the historic post, which includes being Constable of Dover Castle.

It is understood the week at the end of July and beginning of August has been pencilled in as a possible time when the Installation ceremony could take place.

It could be a big boost to the summer holiday tourist trade for the town, with thousands of people flocking to Dover to watch the spectacle.