TURNOUT in the European elections across the county was higher than 1999 but still only about a third of those who could vote did.

Average turnout was 36.5 per cent compared with 24 per cent in 1999. Within Kent, the lowest turnout was in Medway with 29 per cent.The highest turnout was recorded in Shepway in east Kent, which includes Michael Howard's Folkestone constituency.There, 40.2 per cent of the electorate voted.

It was followed by Tunbridge Wells, with 39 per cent, where there were also local council elections.

Turnout figures by district:

Ashford: 35.5 per cent

Canterbury City Council: 36.25

Dartford: 32.4

Dover: 35.1

Gravesham: 33.3

Maidstone: 38.7

Medway: 29.3

Thanet: 33.5

Tonbridge and Malling: 34.6

Tunbridge Wells: 39.1

Swale: 35.9

Sevenoaks: 37.2

Shepway: 40.2