Thirty staff at the Kent Life tourist spot have had their jobs secured for the next three years.

The Lock Lane site, run by the Continuum Group, was under threat as its lease was due to run out.

But now the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee has agreed to step in to manage the popular site alongside the group. The agreement is for three years and will run until March 2016.

Not only does the move mean the attraction, which includes children’s activities, hop gardens and farm animals, will continue, but it could also mean future developments could be on the cards, according to trust chairman, Cllr John A Wilson (Con). His vision is to see it link up with Cobtree Manor Park, which is across the road at Forstal Road, Aylesford.

“As far as the general public is concerned, it will stay the same, and we are happy about that," he said. “But I see the two sites as being collaborative, running together in parallel."

In a statement, the Kent Life management said: “We are pleased to be progressing the lease negotiations with both Kent County Council and Cobtree Manor Estate Trust in securing the long term future of Kent Life.

“The Continuum Group has enjoyed operating Kent Life since agreeing to take a lease in 2008, developing the celebration of Kent’s rural heritage, and welcoming increasing visitors young and old to our award-winning attraction.”