More than 100 British, Belgian and Dutch entrepreneurs gathered in Calais this week to strengthen ties with the French region.

The event, held in collaboration with Kent County Council and the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, was a one-day conference and networking event designed to "explore with their counterparts ways to share possibilities for future joint development opportunities".

It follows a host of events over recent years to foster closer relations between Calais and the UK.

Natacha Bouchart, mayor of Calais and vice president of the regional council, said: "Calais is the natural gateway between France and Great Britain.

"It is natural we make all efforts to strengthen our ties and promote rapprochement which may result in concrete actions in the economic field.’’

"We want to reach out to British companies which may be attracted by the Calais potential and wish to keep a base, with us, in the European community.’’