Visitors from mainland Europe are flocking to Kent as they enjoy the benefits of a rocketing Euro.

With sterling dropping to its weakest since the single currency was introduced in 1999, visitors to the county are finding they can buy more for their Euro.

So while Kent residents heading for a sunny break by the Mediterranean may be out of pocket, the 50,000 people working in the county’s tourist industry trade could reap the benefits.

Victoria Wallace, chief executive of Leeds Castle, said the Kent attraction has already been boosted by extra visitors from mainland Europe, cashing in on the strong Euro.

She said: "Our visitor numbers are up by 30 per cent year on year. We have already seen the return of the foreign number plates, on cars from Germany, France and the Netherlands. The strong Euro must be a factor in this."

Chris Laming, spokesman for P&O Ferries at Dover said the situation presented a potential opportunity for the Kent economy.

Traditionally some 80 per cent of P&O passengers passing through Dover are heading to France rather than into Kent, but he said the exchange rate could help to redress the balance.

He said: "I think there is every possibility that more people will cross the Channel to visit Kent because of the strong Euro. It presents a marketing opportunity.

"If people from the other side of the Channel wise up to the fact there are bargains galore here, you could see a rise in the number of foreign-registered cars visiting Kent."

He said that in an additional development, P&O was experiencing a welcome boost when freight companies paid the company in Euros, leading to an "exchange gain".

After a strong 2007, the pound is expected to weaken in 2008 as interest rates fall and the UK economy slows.

The Euro is now worth around 79p, compared to around 57p when first introduced.