It was the best-timed tonic - a cooling watery mist sprayed on people during another sweltering day in Kent.

This came from the new giant metal rings that are the centrepiece of the new-look Market Square, in Dover - which officially opened yesterday.

Members of the public visiting today stood close to the four rings to get the full effect of the soothing cold puffs during a 26c temperature.

There are warnings of another full heatwave happening from tomorrow to Sunday.

All those that KentOnline spoke to praised the renovated square, the end-product of a £3.6 million investment boost.

Visiting American Sandie Coleman, said: "I think the water feature would have better use in California where it's much hotter.

"You're going to have a heatwave in the next couple of days so you're going to have several people under these rings."

Those in the square said the water feature was needed right now - though there were suggestions to turn it off at later dates because of the present drought.

Donna Marshall, of York Street, Dover, said: "Maybe they could have it for a couple of days while it's new to let people see what it is and then turn the water off."

Ms Marshall was overall impressed with the new square: "I love it, the kids are out here playing, it's spacious, there are lots of seats.

"The men who have built this have worked so hard."

Dover District Council, a co-partner in the project, said the water feature would not be permanently on and its hours of operation could be controlled.

A spokesman said: "Water in the Dover district is supplied by Affinity Water, which currently have no restrictions in place.

"We would, of course, abide by any local restrictions put in place to address the drought."

Dover filmmaker Mike McFarnell said: "It think the new square is very good.

"We've just had two cruise ships with the passengers coming off. It seems to be something well received by the tourists."

Jake Michael, a worker at the Market Square kitchen café, said: "It looks wonderful and it's definitely better than what we used to have here, which was a vacant lot.

"We use to have a giant television screen and a water fountain there and when all that went it did feel like a very vacant space.

"But now this has really brought people out. It's definitely very positive so far."

The renovated square also includes improved seating, a raised terrace and a light display.

A space to host events and for people to meet are also incorporated.

Wide paved areas have been designed so that cafés and pubs can offer alfresco dining.

Visitors today were entertained by dancers but a full public celebration and formal grand opening is planned for Saturday, August 20.