AN EXCITING new era of co-operation between Kent and the United States has been sealed by an agreement signed this weekend in Virginia.

Kent County Council leader, Sir Sandy Bruce Lockhart, and Mark Warner, the governor of Virginia, put their signatures to a so-called Memoranda of Understanding in the 19th century Executive Mansion in Richmond, the state capital. The landmark ceremony should boost tourism, business and school exchanges.

Kent is using the 400th anniversary of the founding of the colony of Jamestown by settlers from London and other parts of Southern England to drive the deal forward.

Tourism chiefs expect an increase in visitors from the United States to greatly boost the Kent economy over the next few years.

Kent has many links with Virginia and the New World, including Pocahontas, the North American Indian who is buried in Gravesend.

Sir Sandy said: "The 400th anniversary of the arrival of the early settlers is a major event for America and a chance for Kent to share in the celebrations."

He added: "American tourists keen to explore their roots will be making their way to Kent."