The new Quay was officially unveiled this morning (Friday) at an opening ceremony in Sandwich.

Members of the public, Sandwich Town Council, MP Laura Sandys, Pfizer and the Environment Agency gathered at the Quay for a morning of speeches and thanks.

Ms Sandys said: "This is a fantastic scheme which is absolutely vital, not just as an amenity for Sandwich but for the future of Sandwich.

"Sandwich was at quite serious risk of flooding when I was first elected. These beautiful homes on the waterfront which were vulnerable."

Ms Sandys explained that thanks to the partnership of KCC, Sandwich Town Council and Pfizer - the new Quay has been made possible.

The defences mean more than 200 homes are now protected from flooding and as the £21 million scheme continues it will eventually protect all the homes in the town.

Mark Dance, cabinet member for economic development also explained that the flood defences has offered vital protection to Discovery Park.

He said: "Full marks everyone, ten out of ten. It's created a great place in Sandwich and secured its future."

A large anchor believed to be from the 17th or 18th century was also unveiled as part of the scheme, which has been refurbished and erected by the Environment Agency to celebrate the Quay's new look.

For the full story read next week's Sandwich edition of the East Kent Mercury.