A tourism agency has won a share of a £40 million Government pot aimed at helping promote UK destinations around the world.

Visit Kent secured £240,000 from the Discover England Fund in a joint bid with four other locations.

Its Gardens & Gourmet project – run with destination teams in Cheshire, Essex, Hertfordshire and the Peak District – was among seven winners announced in the first phase of the three-year funding scheme.

The scheme aims to highlight each region’s bookable experiences in rural England and show the fundamental role gardens and produce play in the nation’s identity.

Visit Kent proposed creating new bookable packages for international visitors which gives them entry to key attractions in each region and features insider tips, local recommendations and interactive media.

Chief executive Sandra Matthews-Marsh said: “We are thrilled that our bid has been successful, and that we have the chance to start celebrating our and our partner regions’ outstanding international gardens, outdoor spaces, and local food and drink offers.

“This bid has been a huge undertaking, and we are delighted to be working with four fantastic regions to develop and market our national treasures to overseas visitors.

“This is a great day and incredibly positive news for tourism.”

VisitEngland chief executive Sally Balcombe said the Fund attracted “an exceptional number of high quality bids, far outweighing the allocated funding available for year one”.