Ramsgate has been firmly put on the map as one of the UK's top kitesurfing destinations with the announcement it will host the final leg of 2018's National Freestyle Kitesurfing Championships.

Following a glowing endorsement from record breaking kitesurfing champion Lewis Crathern, who broke the British record for the highest jump on Ramsgate sands in 2016, representatives from Active Ramsgate successfully concluded talks with the British Kitesports Association to become one of just four destinations to host this year's championships.

Active Ramsgate, an initiative run by the town council, is also a headline sponsor of the event across all four championship destinations - Skegness, Hayling Island, Westward Ho and Ramsgate.

Councillor Peter Campbell said: "This event is a major coup for Ramsgate, and we are delighted to be welcoming kitesurfers from all over the UK later this year.

"We know that Ramsgate is a fantastic destination for kitesurfers, and its popularity has grown rapidly in recent years.

"Holding an event such as this will only heighten Ramsgate's profile as an active destination, and it will bring lots of visitors to the area who will all see what a wonderful place this is, and we've no doubt they will return time and again.

"We also want to encourage local residents to engage with Active Ramsgate too, so there are plenty of outdoor activities for everyone to get involved with throughout the year, such as the free kitesurfing taster sessions for children.

"We hope local businesses will also engage with the openings these championships will present.

"Check out the Active Ramsgate website - 2018 is going to be the year of kitesurfing for Ramsgate."

The final leg of the championship witll take place on August 18 and 19 on Ramsgate main sands, with around 70 competitors from all across the UK all competing for the title of National Freestyle Kitesurfing Champion.

Andy Gratwick, MD of the British Kitesports Association, said: "The championships are growing, and we're delighted to be taking it to a new venue this year.

"Ramsgate sands is a perfect destination for kitesurfers and we want to encourage as many people to visit and try it out for themselves.

"It's where records have been broken in the past, so we know we're going to be in for a good competition."

Any kitesurfer of competition standard can enter at www.britishkitesports.org