On July 4, 1953, international ferry travel changed forever in Kent with the introduction of the Port of Dover's roll-on, roll-off berths.

It is now a full 70 years since that launch, with the port acting as the centre for travel to Europe alongside its younger cousin Eurostar.

Today, the Port facilitates £144bn of UK trade each year, handles 33% of all trade with the EU, and bosses say it is “driving efficiencies and innovations that will ensure the next 70 years are even more prosperous”.

Due to its geographic position, Dover has been Britain's connection to Europe for centuries, receiving its royal charter in 1606 and assisting over a million passengers in crossing the Channel each year during the 20th century.

However, before 1953, most passengers boarded ships on foot from rail services and most cars were loaded on and off ships via cranes from the open deck to the quayside.

It was the first time in the UK that a road bridge (or 'linkspan') hinged from landside operations enabled vehicles to drive directly from the quayside to the ferry, at all stages of the tide.

In response to this modernisation, larger, stern-loading ferries emerged and passenger capacity across the channel grew exponentially.

Traffic through Dover increased rapidly, as travelling to Europe with your car for a summer holiday grew in popularity.

The innovation of the linkspan at the Port of Dover also paved the way for a transformation in how trade is carried into the UK, with the emergence of roll-on, roll-off freight. Just 25 years later, ro-ro freight had become a major part of the Port of Dover's key operation.

Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover, said: “The Port of Dover always has been, and always will be, Britain’s bridge to trade with Europe.

“The port remains a symbol of such innovation in the 21st century, though it is apt that shortly after the commencement of the Carolean era, the Port of Dover's ambition is being pushed further than ever; as we work on our mission to empower exchange across the channel for the next 70 years and beyond.'”