Kent Coastal Week gets under way this weekend with a number of events to celebrate what's great about our shores.

At around 350 miles, Kent has one of the longest and most varied coastlines in the country.

Over 100 free activities are on offer from Dartford to Dungeness via the Medway towns, Whitstable, Herne Bay and Margate.

Chris Drake, the Coastal Officer at Kent County Council said:"We're trying to shine a light on obviously the famous coasts but also the estuaries as well.

"The Kent coast is not just the area Whitstable east but also right the way up into greater London.

"We are holding events in the Dartford and Medway areas as well."

A marquee in Whitstable will be set up today to mark the start of the week's celebrations. It will bring together creative people from several different places along the Kent coast including Margate's Turner Contemporary, the Horsebridge Arts Centre in Whitstable and the Creative Quarter in Folkestone.

The aim is to encourage people to explore the coast and be creative.

Mr Drakes added:"The Kent Coast has provided inspiration to some of our most famous artists including Charles Dickens and JMW Turner.

"This year's programme is a chance for people to explore the Kent Coast and be inspired and get involved in everything from creative workshops to beach art and boat trips.

"We've gone with the idea of the creative coast this year because of the landmark year of the opening of Turner Contemporary. The numbers of people they've had come through their doors is incredible. They are actively involved in this week too."

Events at the marquee run from 10am to 4pm today and tomorrow.

Kent's Coastal Week sponsor, Southern Water, will show how to make mulch and advise on the best plants to conserve water in coastal gardens.

Another sponsor, wind farm company London Array, will be providing scientific and creative workshops, including the chance to make a whirligig.

The rest of the program for Kent's Coastal Week can be downloaded from www.kent.gov.uk/coastalweek