Thanet is hoping to cash in on the Open Golf Championship when it returns to Sandwich in 2003.

The July tournament, one of the world's top sporting events, is expected to attract 160,000 visitors and will generate about £40m for the east Kent economy.

Thanet has traditionally benefited from the Open, with hotels and guest houses providing beds for visitors, while some home-owners let their properties for the duration.

Thanet councillor Iris Johnston said: "It is important to ensure we have a range of activities going on before and after the Open to make the most of having so many extra visitors next summer."