A Kent firm has been chosen to promote the South East's countryside as a great place to visit.

Edwards Harvey PR & Marketing is providing public relations support for a two-year pilot scheme called COUNTRYSIDE 2010 run by Tourism South East (TSE).

The campaign will showcase the best that rural areas have to offer, with visitor attractions and operators across the region - from Kent to Oxfordshire and Hampshire - encouraged to take part in a programme of events between May 29 and June 13.

Most activities will be free and could include anything from guided walks and cycle-rides to tours and tastings, orienteering, and woodland high-wire experiences.

Edwards Harvey, which has headquarters in Turkey Mill, Maidstone, celebrated its 30th anniversary last year and has worked for a number of travel and tourism-related businesses.

Rachel Simpson, TSE rural programme manager, said: "COUNTRYSIDE 2010 is designed to encourage people of every age, taste and background to connect with the countryside. It will also help rural businesses and communities who have been particularly hard hit in the current economic climate by giving them the chance to promote their activities, free of charge.

"Creating and building early public awareness of COUNTRYSIDE 2010 and encouraging as many potential organisers as possible to get involved is key to its success, so a well-structured and creative PR campaign is essential."

Edwards Harvey’s managing director Pip Clarkson said: "It’s great to be working with Tourism South East on this exciting new initiative, helping to encourage people to see the countryside in a new light and boost business for those operators taking part."

If the pilot scheme is successful, it will become an annual event and could be extended to other parts of the county.

There are more details about the campaign here.