Canadian coffee giant Tim Hortons has marked the opening of its second Kent branch by offering free breakfasts and giving two customers free drinks for a year.

The store, which opened at 9am today, is located near Tesco at Broadstairs Retail Park and is the first franchise in east Kent.

Customers visiting the new venue are being offered fresh doughnuts, coffees, sandwiches, burgers and breakfast options.

It comes after the launch of Kent's first Tim Hortons branch in Gravesend last October, when a customer waited 20 hours to win a year's supply of coffee.

Chief commercial officer of Tim Hortons UK, Kevin Hydes, said: "Fans have been desperate to see more of our restaurants open up in the south of England.

"The team has dedicated a lot of time and effort in preparation for launch day.

"As a brand, we are continuing to pursue our plans for growth, with the aim of reaching our fans all across the UK."

The new restaurant will be open from 6am until midnight seven days a week with dine-in, drive-thru, takeaway and delivery options available.

The branch - which has generated as many as 50 jobs - has inside seating for up to 90 customers and a further 24 seats outside.

The company now has 76 branches open or set to open around the UK and Ireland.