An initiative aimed at igniting economic regeneration by promoting outdoor activities has brought in more than £161,000 to a town’s economy in just one year.

Active Ramsgate run by the town council exceeded targets by 75%.

Since launching in June last year, the project managed by Expore Kent has attracted 6,240 extra walkers to the area, 5,460 day visitors and prompted 2,324 overnight stays.

Key tactics have been the appointment of national sailing champion Sam Brearey as the face of Active Ramsgate and the development of three new walks with guides on the website.

Ramsgate Town Council’s chairman of the town promotion committee Peter Campbell said: “We are thrilled with the success of the Active Ramsgate initiative.

“Local businesses have reported an uplift in visitors and the whole area has benefitted immensely from the additional income.

“We’ve got a vibrant proposition to talk about, there’s so many outdoor activities available in the area that we’ve only managed to touch on a few so far.

“There’s a whole raft of activities planned over the next 12 months to build on the success of the first year.”

Details at www.ramsgatetown.org/activeramsgate.