A respected television star will open a village's festive fete dressed as Mother Christmas and greet guests from her sleigh.

Pam Ferris, who played mortherly Ma Larkin in ITV's Darling Buds of May, will appear at Elham Food and Craft Festival on Sunday, December 16.

The 70-year-old Elham resident, who has featured in feature films such as Matilda and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and TV dramas such as Call the Midwife, is expected to make her appearance alongside her helper elf from 11am.

Festival organisers said the duo will be sat in a vintage Swedish sleigh while Santa Claus helps entertain children.

His fairytale-style grotto will be decked out inside a 100-year-old shepherd's hut, believed to be the oldest in Elham Valley.

A festival organiser said: "So while parents browse and shop at this year's bumper market -some 50 stalls in Elham Square and Saint Mary's Church - children can enjoy a taste of bygone years with Santa."

Running until 2pm expect food, drink, handmade crafts, gifts, roast chestnuts and mulled wine.

Guests will also have the chance to enter a raffle to help raise aid for Kent charity the Fifth Trust.

Supporting adults with learning difficulties, the charity hopes to buy a van to transport those who use its services.