The most important issue for Kent voters is the economy, followed by the NHS and immigration.

Despite the high-profile debate over immigration and its significance in parts of Kent, about one in four voters (24%) saw it as most important compared to the economy (30%) and the NHS (25%).

The findings could play well for the Conservatives, who have made the economic recovery a central theme of the election.

They may also be bouyed by the fact that more than a third of Ukip voters - 36% - trust the Conservatives most to manage the economy.

The findings would also appear to contradict Ukip claims that the election is the first where the state of the economy is not the most important to voters.

However, the poll also found it was Ukip who were most trusted to deal with immigration - with one in four Conservative and Labour voters not trusting their own party to deal with the issue.

And one telling statistic should worry all parties: some 16% said none of them could manage the issue.

KM Group teamed up with Ashford-based market research company Facts International for what is thought to be the only Kent-wide survey conducted during the election campaign.

Facts International spoke to 1,000 Kent residents by telephone between March 17 and 24 and the results provide a fascinating insight into the key issues that are likely to influence Kent voters on May 7.

Respondents included voters from every constituency in Kent and Medway.

As a leading market research company Facts International is committed to providing the highest quality online, face-to-face and telephone interviewing research.

Working with businesses and agencies worldwide Facts International is also a Market Research Society Best Field Force award winner. Visit www.facts.uk.com for more information.