PRINCE Andrew is backing the campaign to bring more jobs to Kent and Medway.

He gave the undertaking during a visit to the headquarters of Locate in Kent, the agency that promotes the county as a great place to do business.

He officially opened the agency's new offices in Kings Hill, West Malling.

He told staff that he looked forward to helping them encourage more people to locate in Kent.

Prince Andrew is the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

He said this role gave him an opportunity to see inward investment agencies up and down the country.

"I would just like to thank you for what you do to encourage people to locate here in Kent and wish you continued success in your endeavours."

They had given him a clear understanding of "what actually goes on in this part of the world”.

"Thank you very much indeed and I look forward to helping to encourage more people to locate in Kent in the future."

During his visit, hosted by LiK deputy chairman Sir Alistair Hunter, he met business and civic leaders from across the county.

John Landgraff, a vice president of the Medical Products Group at Abbott Laboratories flew in from Chicago to meet the Duke of York.

He told him about the company's £39 million investment in a new production facility at Murex Biotech in Dartford which will create 125 jobs.

After the visit, Sir Alistair said the Duke of York was very knowledgeable about Kent, the Thames Gateway, its infrastructure and planning processes.

"I hope he has a better picture of how this special county fits into the overall picture," he said. "It was a most valuable visit."

He added: "We are honoured that the Duke of York took time out of his busy tour to visit our offices, giving us the opportunity to demonstrate why Kent is such an exciting place in which to do business."

The visit to LiK's offices followed an invitation issued to Prince Andrew after he attended last year's British Open at Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich and met officials from LiK.

The Duke of York later went on to the UK commercial headquarters of Aventis Pharma, the global drugs company, at Kings Hill.

He was told about the company's work to improve human health, especially in the areas of cancer, diabetes, thrombosis, and osteoporosis.