A town's new-look Market Square officially opened today after a £3.6m makeover - and includes metal rings which produce a cooling mist.

The huge water feature can be found in Dover town centre and provide a place for children to play, as well as a way for everyone to cool off this summer.

As well as the walk-through feature, the renovated square includes improved seating, a raised terrace and a light display.

A space to host events and for people to meet throughout the day and into the evening are also incorporated.

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

Meanwhile new trees to be planted this autumn will provide shade and bring colour and textures to the square throughout the year.

A public celebration and grand opening is planned for Saturday, August 20.

It will have free entertainment for all the family organised by the tourism group Destination Dover and the local traders' organisation Dover Town Team.

An artisan food market is planned for the day.

The original idea for the improvements to the square came from the Dover Town Team.

Supported by Dover District Council and Dover Town Council, it submitted a £2.44 million bid to the government’s Coastal Communities Fund.

That supports economic development projects in coastal areas across the UK.

The works were supported by Kent County Council as the highways authority and undertaken by Kent-based, FM Conway Limited.

John Angell, chairman of the Dover Town Team, said: “We’re delighted to see the revamped Market Square open, bringing a fresh new look to the town centre.

"Local traders set out to create a modern and playful attraction which draws people into Dover’s traditional shopping precinct from St James' and the waterfront.

"We hope local people will enjoy the space and continue to support local traders.”

Cllr Trevor Bartlett, leader of Dover District Council, said: “This striking new space brings vibrancy to the town centre.

"It’s another visible sign of Dover’s transformation as we continue to see new investment.

"There’s still a way to go, but from the Clocktower Square on the seafront, to the Market Square, and the soon to start restoration of the Grade I Listed Maison Dieu, we’re creating exciting new public spaces for local people and visitors to the town.”

Dover mayor Cllr Gordon Gowan said: “We hope the scheme will very much help the community and visitors to our town connect St James' with the existing town with the hope it will encourage new business into the centre of Dover.

"It also means we can have many more activities and events in the Market Square.”

David Brazier, Kent County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Attracting more people to visit and shop in Dover is crucial for its prosperity and I am glad KCC has helped to realise that ambition by creating this focal point.

"This fantastic space will make it all the easier for public events to be held, further adding to what Kent can offer.”

The work began last November and was expected to finish this summer.

However local traders in June complained to KentOnline about the construction work's disruption to their businesses.

Areas were fenced off so people couldn't walk straight across the square and instead had to go the long way through narrow passages.

Tess Franklin, manager of neighbouring Oriental Mini-Mart, said that soon after the work began her trade went down to 75%.

Dover council apologised for the inconvenience caused and said it was working closely with local businesses to keep them up to date with progress.