BRENT POLLARD who with wife Fiona has transformed the Hop Farm Country Park at Paddock Wood, is to spearhead tourism in the county.

Mr Pollard is the new chairman of Kent Tourism, taking over from Bill Dax, the former head of Eurotunnel's shuttle services.

Mr Dax - previously known as Dix - is stepping down after three years in the role. Before that, he chaired the Kent tourism sector group set up by Kent County Council.

He played a leading part in setting up Kent Tourism Alliance, the industry's marketing arm, and was responsible for Eurotunnel's crucial £1.5m cash injection into the KTA.

Mr Dax left Eurotunnel earlier this year and is now helping to run his daughter's restaurant in a village near Windsor.

Although he has retained some of his Kent interests - he is a director of Locate in Kent and involved in the regeneration of Folkestone - he felt it was time leave the role to someone with fresh ideas.

He said: "I've done three years as chairman of KTA and five years in the sector group and frankly it needs a breath of fresh air.

"The fact that I don't live in Kent any more and have moved out of Eurotunnel means it is better for somebody who is more directly involved in the tourism business in Kent such as Brent to take over.

"I think he will be an excellent chairman. He knows Kent tourism, he's directly involved in one of Kent's attractions and a very successful businessman."

He said Kent had improved its offer to visitors. "We've seen a confidence in the people who own properties and a number of owners of hotels, restaurants and bars investing in their properties."

The Pollards moved from the City some years ago when they bought the rundown hop farm from Whitbread.

It has since become one of the leading tourist attractions in the county, garnering many awards, including Kent Business Awards.

It hosts a full programme of events throughout the year, including the War and Peace Show attracting thousands of people.