A GERMAN artist has sparked an unlikely gold rush by burying thousands of pounds worth of the precious metal on a Kent beach as part of an arts festival.

Berlin-based Michael Sailstorfer has hidden 30 bars of 24-carat gold, worth £10,000, under the sand of the Outer Harbour beach, in Folkestone, as part of the town's triennial.

Fortune hunters are being encouraged to search the beach after low tide from 4pm and will be able to keep any gold they find.

The project, called Folkestone Digs, is part of the town's triennial which happens every three years.

Artists including Yoko Ono are taking part in this year's festival which runs from this Saturday to November 2.