Thousands of EU nationals working and living in Kent will be allowed to remain when the UK finally leaves the European Union.

Under a pledge announced by the Prime Minister Theresa May at a summit in Brussels, those who have been in the UK for five years or more would be permitted to stay provided they meet certain conditions.

Nationally, more than three million people would be eligible. They would be able to access health, education and other benefits.

Today marks the first anniversary of the Brexit vote, which saw voters in all areas of Kent back leaving - with the exception of one area, Tunbridge Wells.

The Prime Minister said: “The UK's position represents a fair and serious offer, one aimed at giving as much certainty as possible to citizens who have settled in the UK, building careers and lives and contributing so much to our society.”

The UK's exit deadline is 30 March 2019 and the offer depends on a reciprocal offer by the EU to safeguard Britons living and working in Europe.

Meanwhile, South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay has defended the government’s plan to focus on Brexit during the next two years.

The Queen’s Speech revealed there are to be eight Brexit bills but many of the Conservatives’ other pledges had been dropped, including plans to lift a ban on grammar schools.

The MP said: “I am very pleased Brexit is front and centre - we have to get it right and we are doing that. We are in the realms of reality now.”

He rejected a claim by the South East Conservative MEP Richard Ashworth that the election had not given the government a mandate for a hard Brexit.

“A soft Brexit which means not coming out of the Customs Union or the single market is no Brexit at all. It is very clear that coming out of the EU does mean that."

Meanwhile, council chiefs have flagged up concerns that Brexit could pose a threat to funding schemes which have provided tens of millions of pounds to boost jobs and investment in Kent.

KCC says its target of securing £100m from the EU between now and 2020 could be jeopardised by Brexit. It has secured £65m to date.

A report to county councillors said Brexit will mean the UK’s ability to access dozens of EU programmes will be effectively closed down.

However, KCC believes it will still be eligible for money from some schemes and the government had committed to funding any projects that were signed off before Brexit.

Cllr Mark Dance, KCC cabinet member for economic investment, said Kent would do what it could to maximise funding before leaving the EU.

“The important thing for me is what we are going to do up to May 2019 and can we push it to 2020?”

KCC says that to compensate for the breakaway, the authority should examine the opportunities for alternative funding with European partners.

It suggests that deals on business and trade, cross-channel transport and other issues should be explored with individual countries where there is a “clear cross-border dimension.”