STRONGER links are being sought between Poole and the sun-soaked rock where Europe meets Africa.

The British Dominion of Gibraltar and the South Coast town are proposing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to develop relations and boost contact.

Strong links were formed between the Borough of Poole and Government of Gibraltar four years ago, when the rocky outcrop chose to join the South West region of England for European Parliamentary elections.

Poole's returning officer, Paul Morris, ran the election for the whole 3.9 million voter region in 2004, but first had to help Gibraltar conform to Euro law, as he will be doing again for the 2009 election.

For his efforts in aiding the 20,000-strong enthusiastic electorate vote in the elections for the first time, he was appointed an Honorary Gibraltarian.

"Poole is a gateway into the UK for them, which I think is very good," he said.

However bonds stretch much further back, and when the Spanish blockaded the outpost during the 1960s and 1970s, ships regularly plied between the two ports, supplying the colony by sea.

Joined to Spain by a sandy strip of land, Gib, famous for its Barbary apes, has been a British Territory since 1704 and its economy is based on offshore finance, shipping, tourism and as an international conference centre.

"A link with Gibraltar would present an opportunity to explore the possibility of joint ventures and other trading arrangements between businesses in Gibraltar and Poole," said Cllr Ron Parker, portfolio holder for the local economy.

He said there were striking similarities between the economies of the different communities and possible links included tourism. "Gibraltar is a popular cruise ship port of call and this is something that Poole is also pursuing."

There have been high level visits between mayors of Poole and Gibraltar and youth service exchanges, and it is hoped this will funnel down to residents.

"This Memorandum of Understanding is not about providing civic hospitality and trips abroad, but about opportunities for the people of our two communities to experience different ways of life, learn from others and strengthen the ties between the UK and a unique piece of Britain's overseas heritage," said Cllr Parker.

Cabinet is due to recommend to full council on April 8 that it agrees to the document.