As the UK wakes to a shock result to leave the EU in yesterday's referendum, Shepway voters have been reacting to the news.

The result in the district was declared just before 3.30am with 37,729 (62%) voting to leave.

Meanwhile the remain vote received 22,884 (38%) with 46 rejected papers.

There was a 75% turnout in Shepway as some 61,000 people voted.

Results from across the county echoed the national picture as every district and borough apart from Tunbridge Wells voted to leave.

Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins, who backed the Remain campaign, said he was "very disappointed" with the result.

"My concern has always been the impact on Kent. We have to respect the view of the British people and what we have to do is roll out sleeves up and get on with it and get the best deal.

"I know a lot of people will be going to work thinking what it means for them.

"We have to make the best of the situation we're in."

Prime Minister David Cameron became the first political casualty of the fallout today announcing he would be leaving number 10 in October shortly after 8am.

But Mr Collins would not be drawn on who he thought should take over.

"I don't think he [Cameron] had any alternative choice given the result and did the right thing for the country," he said.

"But he's not going to go straightaway and is going to give us the choice for someone new to lead the country.

"I think that's good because it gives us a chance for stability.

"I've got no view on who that might be at the moment, I think it's too soon but we need experience."

"It was a strong vote to leave across east Kent. I spoke to a lot of people across the business community who were concerned about the economy but people have to weigh up a lot of factors. Clearly people weighed it up differently.

"In hindsight I think we should've taken more time to put our views across.

"Over the next few days the treasury and Bank of England need to stabilise the markets, interest rates which affect mortgages and the pound which affects prices in the shops.

"I think we need a period of reassurance."

Ukip members in the district are celebrating this morning calling it "Independence Day".

A statement from the Folkestone and Hythe branch said: "Good morning Shepway and a very Happy Independence Day.

"To all of those who voted out, we thank you. To the Remainers, we also thank you, because without another side there's no choice, and without choice there's no democracy."

Terry Noakes, the managing director of Folkestone Trawlers and secretary of the Folkestone Fisherman’s Association said he is "elated" by this morning's result.

He spoke on behalf of the fishermen within the harbour, and said: "We are happy, happy, happy.

"It means a whole new start for us and we are elated, the people have spoken.

"Now we can get rid of this common fisheries policy and start again.

"Hopefully we will get what we want - but we realise it is not going to happen overnight."

Residents have been reacting on Twitter.

The Eurotunnel Group has said it does not expect to see any changes in its operation as a result of the referendum.

Group chairman and chief executive Jacques Gounon said: "The Channel Tunnel fixed link was established with an international treaty between two sovereign states.

"Our Anglo-French vocation is to offer our customers a constantly improving and more competitive transport service. I am confident that we will achieve our goals”.