Kent County Council has spelled out the huge challenges facing the county over the next 20 years.

In a draft blueprint, Unlocking Kent's Potential, the council highlights six key areas - business, education and skills, population growth and ageing, homes and communities, transport and climate change.

The document was launched at a business breakfast in Maidstone to more than 100 business and civic chiefs today.

Council leader Paul Carter said he wanted KCC to be the most business friendly council in England and recalled the pioneering spirit of the Victorian era, which he said was needed in Kent.

In a joint statement by Cllr Carter and Kevin Lynes, cabinet member for regeneration, they said: ''We stand at the crossroads - but we have a choice. We can sit back and allow the population to grow, housing to be built and leave business alone.

''The alternative to this doomsday scenario is to embrace and master plan the growth and impact.''