"Instead of leaving the doom and gloom merchants to enjoy their field day, let's encourage people to think positive, walk tall and be proud."

That was the central message from Allan Willett, Lord Lieutenant of Kent, at the Lieutenancy's annual meeting.

Over 50 Deputy Lieutenants attended the session at the Royal School of Military Engineering, Chatham, and Mr Willett, the Queen's representative in Kent, urged them all to play a part in fostering community spirit and a feeling of belonging and pride in the county.

He said: "In the current difficult and destabilising scenario, I believe people will turn more than ever to things they can understand and rely on: their roots, their heritage, their culture, their communities and their counties.

"Life will be hard in 2009 and maybe beyond, but we will be courageous and we must encourage the people of Kent in their quest for an ever better future. As a county, we will walk tall."

The meeting was told the highlight of the past year was Kent’s magnificent response to the Territorial Army’s centenary and the Lord Lieutenant’s call for demonstrations of public support for the Armed Forces and their families.

It was followed by the annual lunch.

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