Entente cordiale could be stretched to the limit if moves to create an International Language Zone around Dover are approved.

Dover council leaders are set to follow the lead of Wales, where all road signs and official documentation are bilingual.

Council chiefs are working with their counterparts in Calais to introduce the scheme, aimed at improving relations and easing the transition between countries.

Under the move, a language zone would be created within a 20-mile radius of the Port of Dover.

Within that zone all official documentation produced by councils, police, health and other authorities must be produced in both the English and French languages.

All road signs must give town names and instructions in both languages, and matrix signs above motorways and key highways must be in both French and English.

If a French person visits an official building they can demand to speak to a member of staff in their own language.

As part of research into the scheme, council leaders visited the Welsh town of Ffwlebrill to see a language zone in action.

Could signs at the port soon be in French too?

A district council spokesman said: "This is an extremely positive move forward.

"We are keen to follow the valuable lead of Wales, and embrace our rich linguistic heritage.

"Language should never be a barrier to living our daily lives in a fulfilling and multi-cultural way."

All staff at Dover council, if the plans are approved, will be offered free French lessons at L'ecole Tromper D'Avril in Arras, near Calais.

School principal Jean-Claude Blague said: "It is disappointing that so few people in Dover can speak French when they are four times nearer to Calais than London.

"English is far more widely spoken on our side of the Channel. But with our tuiton Dover municipal workers will become fluent in French."

The move is expected to be ratified at a full council meeting at noon today.