KENT could enjoy a sporting legacy that will last a generation, thanks to London securing the bid to host the Olympics in 2012.

That’s the view of Olympic rowing double gold medallist James Cracknell, who also believes that employment and tourism will benefit hugely from the Games.

Cracknell said: “It’s up to every industry that can benefit from the Games to make the most of the build-up over the next seven years.

“It’s a chance for us to try to attract athletes as they come here to acclimatise.

“We need to provide them with training facilities around the country in the build-up.

“When people visit you’ve got to make them want to come back and explore other parts of the country.”

South East England Development Agency chairman Jim Brathwaite said: “The Sydney Olympics created an increase in conference bookings in the four years before the Games and in the total economy of the region surrounding Sydney, just as the South East surrounds London.

“Approximately £400 million is directly attributed to have come into the New South Wales economy because of the Games and the benefits continue to accrue five years later.”

Sports and tourism bodies also plan to exploit other international, national and regional sporting events that benefit the South East.

Mary McAnally, chairwoman of the Regional Sports Board South East, said: “Kent already benefits from sporting events such as motor racing at Brands Hatch and Ramsgate Sailing Week.

“A successfully managed sporting event helps to improve the image of a local area.

“Spectators are more than part of the crowd, they are potential customers and tourists.

“They help to spread the word about the welcome they have received. We want to make the most of the opportunities offered by these and other events.”