He has hailed local business initiatives led by John Hodges of the Local Strategic Partnership.

He said: "Local entrepreneurs are already looking at how we can offer accommodation for visitors. With the connections through Ashford the Olympics really are on our doorstep. We need to make sure Hastings and Rye has a part to play in what will be a historic occasion for the UK.

"Locally investment is planned for new leisure services and I will be urging provision of the best possible facilities to help our youngsters realise their athletic potential.

"Who knows, with the right support the next Michael Phelps could be one of our very own!"

The MP has also suggested that Hastings and Rye could provide a pre-Olympic base for the Sierra Leone Olympic Squad.

He said: "Hastings is twinned with Hastings in Sierra Leone and I believe we could offer their athletes a preparation base in the weeks leading up to the 2012 Olympics. Their High Commissioner has shown interest and we have already identified training facilities and accommodation."