It's not all doom and gloom in Thanet. Believe it or not, a new survey claims that average earnings rose by more than any other part of the UK during the past five years.

Research published by Halifax showed that a typical full-time annual salary on the isle now stands at a credit crunch-busting £30,000.

That's a 60 per cent rise compared to just £18,800 in 2003. And the percentage increase is almost treble the increase of the 21 per cent average across Great Britain.

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Do you agree with the survey - or is it a load of old dosh? Email thanetextra@thekmgroup.co.uk

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However, the average Thanet salary of £29,956 still falls short of the £31,500 national average.

The best place in the country to make a quick buck remains the City of London, where workers take home an average of £82,000 every year.

Martin Ellis, chief economist at Halifax, said: "Average earnings have risen by more than retail prices over the past five years, indicating an increase in living standards for the typical worker."