The stereotype is that eastern Europeans are only coming here to claim benefits, or “steal” the jobs of British citizens.

However, 31-year-old Rita Trifuj moved to Sittingbourne in 2013 to improve her language skills.

She said: “My main reason was to learn the language, and it is much better today than it was two years ago.

“I’ve come here to work as an au pair with a family in Sittingbourne.

“It is not the most beautiful town but I like its rural atmosphere.”

Rita, who lives in Wickham Close, found it easy to fit in with British society and is planning to stay here for several more years.

She said: “I don’t feel like an outsider, although many people still don’t have a clue about the whereabouts of Hungary.

“I am confident about staying here for five more years because I have started to work for a well-known automotive company.

“I would like to have a career here and a good financial background.”

The other cliche about eastern Europeans is that they do not contribute to the country’s economy.

Grovehurst Avenue resident Maria Urban moved to the UK five years ago with her husband and two children.

The couple divorced and her partner moved back to Hungary with his son.

But 40-year-old Maria stayed with her son, 16, and is planning to open her own shop in the town.

She said: “I moved to Sittingbourne three years ago because it was closer to my workplace.

"We chose it because it’s not a big city and the house prices were good.

"I really liked the place and my son liked the school. There are enough places to shop but it is not so crowded.

“I love the park and the lakes and the locals are very friendly.

"There are only a few Hungarians here which is sad, but not a problem.

“I don’t know how long we want to stay.

"My son is going to continue his education and I would like him to have a future here. We are planning to open our own little shop.”

Although they miss Hungarian food, Maria believes there is more opportunity here in terms of education and work.