TOURISTS from across the world will flood into Kent next year when the county hosts the first stage of the Tour de France.

The race, on July 8, will end in Canterbury but special events will be held in villages and towns across the county.

Sprint events will be held in Gillingham, Teston and Tenterden while King of the Mountain events will be held in Tonbridge, Goudhurst and Ashford.

The bid to hold the start of the race in England was organised by Transport for London, but was supported by Kent County Council which saw it as a major boost to sport, health and tourism.

The last time the race was held in England, in 1994, it attracted an estimated three million tourists who lined the route between Dover and Brighton.

The most glory will be reserved for Canterbury, where legions of fans will be expected to stay to see the sprint finish at the end of the race’s first stage.

Cllr Graham Gibbens (Con) KCC’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This is exciting news for Kent. It will put us on the world stage again, bringing businesses and visitors into Kent and will help promote healthy living, cycling and sport.

“Television viewers around the world will see some of Kent’s most attractive sites with Canterbury Cathedral providing a magnificent backdrop for the finish. At this stage we cannot put a figure on the potential benefit for Kent, but it will give a significant boost to tourism both during and after the race.”