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kmfm's Ben Pearce deejays at Spring Lane Neighbourhood Centre while Kent cricketers train with Ryan Belsey

Our Elf Service Christmas campaign helped provide a Christmas bash for children at the Spring Lane Neighbourhood Centre on Friday.

kmfm’s Ben Pearce was DJ at the party, using equipment brought in and set up by KM Group media sales executive Tom Smith.

The party was for children who regularly use the centre in Sussex Avenue.

KMFM DJ Ben Pearce with children and staff at the Spring Lane Neighbourhood Centre Christmas party on Friday. Picture: Chris Davey FM3573258
KMFM DJ Ben Pearce with children and staff at the Spring Lane Neighbourhood Centre Christmas party on Friday. Picture: Chris Davey FM3573258

Tom, 24, runs a mobile disco through his company MDS Group and was happy to step in and help.

He said: “It’s something I’ve been doing in my spare time for a few years. I do mostly weddings or birthdays and the odd New Year’s Eve.

“The neighbourhood centre got in touch with us when they found out about the Elf Service campaign and asked if we could help.

Youngsters enjoying the Spring Lane Neighbourhood Centre Christmas party on Friday. Picture: Chris Davey FM3573272
Youngsters enjoying the Spring Lane Neighbourhood Centre Christmas party on Friday. Picture: Chris Davey FM3573272

“I brought my equipment down and then Ben Pearce plugged in his laptop and did the DJ-ing.

“It was a really good party for the children who use the centre once or twice a week. Everyone enjoyed it.”

KMFM's DJ Ben Pearce with fellow Disco DJ's Tom Smith and Ben Warner at the Spring Lane Neighbourhood Centre children's Christmas party on Friday. Picture: Chris Davey FM3573262
KMFM's DJ Ben Pearce with fellow Disco DJ's Tom Smith and Ben Warner at the Spring Lane Neighbourhood Centre children's Christmas party on Friday. Picture: Chris Davey FM3573262

The Elf Service is our festive good deeds campaign which has been spreading cheer across the district.

Readers have been contacting the paper and suggesting someone in need of Christmas wish.

Natasha Andrews, the neighbourhood centre development officer, got in touch with the Elf Service.

She organised the party, which saw more than 20 five- 11-year-olds attend.

“Everyone had an absolutely fantastic time,” she said.

“Tom was an absolutely lovely man and Ben was really good.

“We had traditional party games and dancing – it was absolutely lovely.”

Kent Cricket Ground, Canterbury. Ryan Belsey meets club captain Rob Key. Some of the team break off from training to pose for a photo with Ryan. Picture: Tony Flashman FM3559347
Kent Cricket Ground, Canterbury. Ryan Belsey meets club captain Rob Key. Some of the team break off from training to pose for a photo with Ryan. Picture: Tony Flashman FM3559347

Players and staff from Kent County Cricket Club have also done their Elf Service bit for Ryan Belsey, who lost his father earlier in the year.

Coaches Jimmy Adams and Mark Ealham joined club captain Rob Key and players Charlie Hartley, Andrew Bell-Drummond, Callum Haggert, Fabian Cowdrey for a training session in the indoor school.

Cricket-mad Ryan, 10, who goes to St Stephen’s School, also met his idol Kevin Pietersen in November. The England batsman agreed to come to Canterbury and meet Ryan after the Elf Service got in touch with him.

Kent Cricket Ground, Canterbury. Ryan Belsey meets club captain Rob Key. Rob gives Ryan a few tips. Picture: Tony Flashman FM3559319
Kent Cricket Ground, Canterbury. Ryan Belsey meets club captain Rob Key. Rob gives Ryan a few tips. Picture: Tony Flashman FM3559319

Captain Rob Key said: "It was great to meet Ryan and have a net with him. He clearly loves the game and has a lot of potential for a 10-year-old.

“The players and Jimmy appreciate all the support we get and he was clearly excited to be here.

“We’ve invited him to a match next summer as we’ve got a great season of fixtures lined up with the Australians starting the Ashes tour here in Canterbury.”

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