THANET received an early Christmas present when the Kent Tourism Alliance announced the island’s coastline will appear on the front cover of the county’s 2007 visitor guide.

It is the first time a coastal scene has appeared on the front cover of the glossy guide, which represents Kent across the UK.

Some 60,000 copies of the guide have been produced and readers will be introduced to the county by the cover’s romantic, sunset image of the sands and cliff top Kingsgate Castle overlooking the bay.

Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive of the Kent Tourism Alliance presented a print of the front cover to Thanet council deputy leader Roger Latchford and Cllr Sandy Ezekiel at the Isle of Thanet Tourism Association Christmas meeting on Monday

Sandra said: "Thanet’s beautiful beaches and sandy coastline were chosen by members of the public from a choice of Kent scenes and they are an excellent choice. This is a great opportunity for Kent to show just what a diverse county we are.

"Kent is not just Oast houses and orchards. It is a vibrant county with many different attractions, activities and paces of leisure that offer a wonderful stay for any guest."

Cllr Roger Latchford said: "I am thrilled to see Thanet earn a much deserved place in the tourism spotlight. The council and local tourism businesses work very hard to help people enjoy and share the beautiful coastline, bays and beaches we have here in Thanet, and I am thrilled the 2007 Kent Visitor Guide will support this work. We have great hopes for 2007 and I am delighted we are starting on such a strong note."

For further information about Thanet, visit www.tourism.thanet.gov.uk.