GRAVESEND'S seafaring past is being celebrated as part of an Anglo-French history trail.

Three tourist information panels have been set up in the town at the beginning of the 325-mile Maritime History Trail stretching to Nord Pas de Calais in France.

The European Union-funded project is aimed at boosting cross-Channel tourism and will highlight the Kent coast's nautical roots.

Gravesham Council's heritage quarter manager Deanna Groom said: "The area has a long and proud maritime tradition. There is a growing interest in the nautical history of England and France and we are confident we will attract more visitors to the area."

The project will link Gravesham's tourist information centre Towncentric with sites at the Town Pier and Gordon Promenade, where thousands of emigrants left for the New World in the 1800s.

Eurotunnel is promoting the trail at its terminals, in Folkestone and Coquelles, in an attempt to attract tourists.

The historic dockyard in Chatham also features in the scheme, along with sites in Thanet, Swale, Canterbury, Dover and Shepway.

Call Towncentric on 01474 337600 for information.

November 13, 2001 11:44