Several businesses across the district have been awarded grants to help bring in more tourists.

Gravesham council has given out up to £1,000 to 12 local tourism and hospitality businesses to help attract more visitors to the area.

The grants form part of a wider programme of support to boost the local economy that is being delivered using UK Government funding.

They will support businesses in Gravesham to provide packages such as special and unique tours, free tickets to events, food experiences and visitor accommodation offers.

The businesses that have received grants are The Best Western Manor Hotel, Marie’s Tea Room, Marie’s Emporium, Future Survival immersive games, The Panic Room entertainment centre, The House of Leyla yoga studio, Iron Pier brewery, Cyclopark, Silverhand Estate vineyard, The Lost Village of Dode, Badgells Wood Campsite and Roost Group Stylish Visitor Accommodation.

Each business will be offering free tickets as part of the Kent Big Weekend on April 5 and 6, giving local residents and visitors from further afield a chance to sample all they have to offer.

The ballot opens tomorrow (March 7) and more information can be found here.

Cllr Deborah Croxton, Gravesham council’s cabinet member for community and leisure, said: “Tourism is a major contributor to our local economy, generating more than £100 million in revenue annually for the borough.

“The varied businesses receiving our grants showcase all that is good about Gravesham, from our town centre experiences to the peace and quiet of our rolling countryside.

“I am sure they will be using the funding to great effect in drawing in even more visitors, and I hope local people will give them their well-deserved and continued support too.”