Gillingham might not be on everyone's tourist trail, but the Chancellor thinks it's worth a day out of London.

George Osborne spent the afternoon at Gillingham Football Club, met the local press and praised Medway Council for its financial acumen.

The Gills added him to their team - complete with a Number 11 shirt inscribed OSBORNE.

The Chancellor said the government remained committed to the Thames Gateway, had no plans to build an airport in the Thames Estuary and said some councils were excellent at thinking about economic challenges.

Mr Osborne said: "We are getting on top of our debts and Medway Council has done a great job encouraging the growth of small businesses."

During the visit he talked with council leader Rodney Chambers, Cllr Mike O'Brien and Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti.

Mr Osborne also heard from the vice chairman of Gillingham Football Club, Michael Anderson, about banking, finances and running football clubs.

As he left the ground, his security officer wished club officials good luck for next Saturday's game against league leaders, Chesterfield.

Mr Osborne piped up: "Yes - sock it to 'em!"