Kent's coast is one of the world's top tourist hotspots for 2011, according to a leading travel guide book.

Frommer's ranked our county alongside Rio in Brazil, Stockholm in Sweden and Atlanta in Southern USA as must-visit destinations for next year.

It singled out its "bustling seaside towns" and its clean, sandy beaches for praise, highlighting the area between Whitstable and Ramsgate.

The guide also spoke of Herne Bay's "colourful beach huts" and the resort of Broadstairs and its association with novelist Charles Dickens.

Frommer's staff said the county "shone out as an area that would be of great interest in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics".

They added: "There's plenty to keep visitors going over a long weekend, from quirky independent shops to worthy eateries to stylish boutique hotels."