Dover Strait World Heritage bid

The White Cliffs of Dover can be best seen from the Dover Strait

The Strait of Dover could become a World Heritage Site if a joint bid by Eurotunnel and French officials is successful.

Eurotunnel, the Channel Tunnel operator, believes tourism on both sides of the Channel would benefit.

The Dover Strait is one of the world's busiest international waterways.

Eurotunnel is making the bid to UNESCO with the Conseil General of the Pas-de-Calais. The UK currently has 28 sites on UNESCO's world heritage list.

They include Canterbury Cathedral, Fountains Abbey, Blenheim Palace and The Tower of London.

"This is really quite an exceptional proposal," said Eurotunnel spokeswoman Charlotte Brookes.

"It is the first time ever that two countries have put forward a proposal jointly."

'Wonderful idea'

The Dover Strait, between Calais and Dover, is used by over 400 commercial vessels every day and is operated by both the UK and French authorities.

Dover MP Gwyn Prosser said he thought the proposal that it should be a World Heritage Site was a wonderful idea.

"As well as the dramatic views of the White Cliffs of Dover from the Strait, it has all the heritage and historical connections," he said.

"The Battle of Britain took place overhead during World War Two and the planning and organisation of operations took place in the tunnels under the White Cliffs.

"But over all the centuries, during the time Britain was being defended from people across the Channel, the Strait played a hugely important role."