Hundreds of people from Kent are travelling to see the Pope on Day Two of his British tour.

The Holy Father is due to meet the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams today as part of his visit.

Then on Sunday he will visit Birmingham to beatify Cardinal John Newman.

Speaking today, former Maidstone MP and devout Catholic Ann Widdecombe said the visit had provoked a "tremendous amount of interest and affection".

Chris Newman, 65, from Sheerness, of the Sheppey Catholic Parish, is going to Birmingham to attend the beatification mass.

He said: "I think the chances of me ever being present at a beatification mass in England with someone by the name of Newman - I've got more chance of being a man on the moon.

"It's a fantastic thing to get someone with my name being beatified.

"My dad's name was John Newman and this is Cardinal John Newman, so for me it's quite an emotive time.

"It's a beatification of someone with the same name as my father and the chances of that ever happening again are so remote."

Martha Clark, 75, from Hythe, is a parish assistant at Virgin Mother of Good Counsel.

She said: "When I heard about it, I said I'm going to be there.

"I've travelled a lot, been to Rome, saw John Paul and all, but I've not seen Benedict.

Audio: Ann Widdecombe on the Pope's visit

"I'm just very excited to be in that crowd of people. I think it's going to be exhilarating and I'll never forget it.

"I would make any sacrifice to be there."

Hilary Brockman, 63, from Walderslade Road in Chatham, attends St Simon Stock in Walderslade.

He said: "He's the leader of our church. It’s a once in a lifetime chance to see him and be blessed by him aget good grace.â€

Ruby Drake Brockman, 49, said: "It's a great honour and a blessing to see the Pope.

"I saw Pope John Paul II, when I was in high school, and it was lovely - a blessing - like being elated.

"Even though I'm not feeling very well right now - I'm in pain with gall stones - but I would still really love to see him."

Christopher Barton, 29, from Lordswood, also goes to St Simon Stock in Walderslade.

He said: "I just see it as one of these once in a lifetime opportunities, the Pope doesn't come over very often.

"I'm excited, yet apprehensive, because obviously I know there's going to be a lot of people that aren't in agreement with it, but on a religious level it should be a really good day."