TOP Kent attraction Diggerland is to open its doors in America.

The successful leisure park in Strood is to launch its unique digger experience in Richmond, Virginia in 2007.

The decision is a ground-breaking move which sees Diggerland become the first Kent company to affirm the growing links between Kent and America’s founding state.

The digging machinery business had looked to California for its first American site but bosses at Kent County Council introduced the company to the opportunities in Virginia.

Diggerland boss Hugh Edeleanu said: "KCC heard we were looking at America and suggested Virginia to us.

"We were looking at sites within easy reach of the major conurbations, and Virginia is two hours drive from Washington, three from New York.

"'Americans think nothing of driving three hours, so the location is ideal."

Mr Edelenau said Virgina’s welcoming and proactive attitude had convinced him the decision to build there was right.

"The US states are all very different and we found Virginia to be a very progressive state, it wants to push itself its forward and welcomed Diggerland’s move to the US."

The company has purchased a 295-acre site near Richmond and hopes the park will be open for business by summer 2007.

Mr Edeleanu said he was confident Americans, who have pioneered the theme park concept, would embrace Diggerland’s unique experience.

"Americans are always looking for novel interesting things to do and we can certainly offer that."

The construction equipment entrepreneur said America’s initial reaction to the Diggerland experience echoed that of British customers.

"People are amazed that kids can drive and operate the real construction equipment, but we have a webcam of the Kent site on our website so people anywhere in world can discover the Diggerland experience."

Mr Edeleanu said in keeping with the American style, Diggerland Virginia would be big and bold.

"We are developing new rides all the time, so it will be everything that’s here now, plus any new activities we’ve developed – on a bigger scale with more rides."

Mr Edeleanu added that plans to expand into America would complement the group’s growing UK business.

Plans to open a Diggerland in Yorkshire are well ahead and Mr Edeleanu said he hoped Diggerland would own six parks across the UK by 2010.

"In addition to our sites in Durham, Devon, Yorkshire and Medway there is the possibility of a park in the Glasgow area and one Cambridge.

"'It means anyone in the UK should be within two hours drive of a Diggerland."

Business in Medway, Mr Edeleanu said, was still extremely strong and with the Virginian developments he was confident of the future.