RAMSGATE could be a serious contender to host Olympic events, the leader of Thanet council has said.

Cllr Sandy Ezekiel was speaking after more than 50,000 people visited the town for the British Powerboat Grand Prix.

The competition is organised by the Royal Yachting Association and chairman George Clark attended the event.

Cllr Sandy Ezekiel and Mr Clark discussed the possibility of Ramsgate hosting the sailing events in the 2012 Games. The Government is considering bidding to host the Games in London.

Cllr Ezekiel said: “Although Weymouth and Poole are the front runners, I think we have a lot to offer here.

“As well as the Powerboat Grand Prix, which was the best ever for attendance and atmosphere, we also have Ramsgate Week, which is the second biggest event in the sailing calendar.

“Mr Clark could see for himself that we can host major events.”

Mr Ezekiel said that although the council could not afford to support a bid itself, it may be able to secure funding from other agencies, such as SEEDA, the South East England Development Agency.

He said: “We are closer to London than other venues, only an hour and a half by road, and hopefully by then we will have the fast rail link.

“We also have an airport on the doorstep. There is land available to build a mini Olympic village, and that could later be used for housing.”

Speaking about the success of the weekend, Cllr Ezekiel said: “It was a fantastic event and the number of people at the evening concert and firework display was amazing.

“I would like to thank the staff who worked so hard to make it a success, and the people who attended.”