The manufacturing sector, which accounts for around 12 per cent of the Kent economy, shrank nationwide in September at the fastest rate for 17 years.

Industry survey, the Purchasing Managers' Index, showed the sharpest fall since records began in 1992.

It showed a reading of 41 last month, down from 45.3 in August. Any reading below 50 indicates the sector is shrinking.

The news will put pressure on the Bank of England to cut interest rates.

The survey is produced by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply/Markit.