Kent Big Day Out 2009 has been hailed a success by organisers.

The third in the series of five annual events staged in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics saw more than 150 tourist destinations take part.

The aim of the event is to attract tourism to Kent by giving away free tickets to the top hotspots.

In all 17,000 free tickets were given to Kent residents on Saturday March 28.

Visit Kent at Kent County Council organised the event.

Head of tourism Fran Warrington said: “This year attractions really embraced the event, with many more taking part and donating even more free tickets for local people.

“I am confident that this incredibly popular event will continue to grow. This year we included many more cultural and sporting venues, which is widening the appeal of the Kent Big Day Out.

“Already many more people in the county are more aware of our leisure destinations and able to recommend good places for a day out when they entertain friends and family.”

Research conducted by students from The Cornwallis School in Maidstone, West Kent College, Mid Kent College, Thanet College, South Kent College, Canterbury College and Sheppey College will be used to help plan next year’s Kent Big Day Out.

Anyone who went to an attraction on the day is invited to enter their photographs and videos in two Visit Kent competitions. Visit www.kentbigdayout.co.uk or www.thisiskent.co.uk