A huge £54 million pothole blitz is to get underway in Kent next year as the county looks set to receive more funding than any other region in the south east.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced the county will receive almost 20% of the £297 million effort to fix potholes and repair roads across the area in 2025/26.

The Labour government says roads throughout the region have been plagued by the issue for too long and says it is investing to boost infrastructure as part of its Plan for Change mission.

Local authorities will each receive a share of the funding, with Kent receiving the highest amount at 18% - a sizeable chunk of £54.2 million.

Meanwhile, Medway Council will receive more than £5 million with the second biggest winners of the funding being Hampshire County Council in the form of £52.9 million.

It comes as figures from the RAC show drivers encounter an average of six potholes per mile in England and Wales, with the cost of pothole damage to vehicles estimated to be about £500 on average.

Labour says the funding, which totals £1.6 billion across England, is an increase of almost 50% on local road maintenance compared to last year and is enough to fix the equivalent of over seven million extra potholes during this period.

Earlier this year KentOnline reported that the number of reported potholes had almost tripled in two years in the county and residents in West Hougham, Dover claimed to have it worst of all.

Despite having a population of less than 600, the village was home to an estimated 90 potholes at the turn of the year - about one for every sixth person.

Anger over the state of the roads has been compounded by figures that showed that Kent County Council rejects 92% of compensation claims for pothole damage.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "Broken roads can risk lives and cost families hundreds if not thousands of pounds on repairs. That’s a cost that can easily be avoided by investing properly in our roads.

“Through our Plan for Change we’re determined to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking people and improve living standards.

"That’s why we’re giving councils funding to repair our roads and get Britain moving again – with a clear expectation that they get on with the job.”

Mrs Alexander added: “Potholes have plagued motorists for far too long, but today’s record investment will start to reverse a decade of decline on our country’s roads.

“Millions will drive home for Christmas today, but too many will have to endure an obstacle course to reach their loved ones."

The government says it will ensure authorities spend the money wisely, collect the right data, and deliver proactive maintenance before potholes start to form.