Spaced and Doctor Who actress Jessica Hynes successfully completed a 4.6-mile sea swim in Folkestone, thanks to a steady supply of jelly beans.

Award-winning Mrs Hynes, who lives in Folkestone, spent four hours in the water during the challenge, which saw her swim the length between the Hythe Imperial Hotel to Sunny Sands beach. She completed it by doing laps in Folkestone harbour, rather than in the open ocean.

The star, who likes to swim in the sea everyday, said: "I was in the water for four hours - Raga Gibreel from Green Kordofan walked up and down the harbour in solidarity and ended up walking more than seven miles!

"David from the coastguard office stood watch the whole time and leant me his toweling poncho afterwards.

"My husband Adam stayed by my side in a kayak, accompanied by friends Charlotte and Siobhan.

"My friend Alice swum the last two miles with me!

"They fed me Kit Kats and jelly beans at intervals during the swim.

"I couldn't have done it without them all, or the jelly beans, and we are all so grateful for family and friends who came down and supported the event and for everyone who donated. Thank you."

The Royle Family actress completed the swim on behalf of two charities: the Folkestone community hub and Green Kordofan.

The hub has been providing support to vulnerable people during the Covid-19 outbreak, with its volunteers - including Mrs Hynes - helping deliver groceries, collect prescriptions or just being a voice on the end of the phone.

The second charity Green Kordofan supports children in a refugee camp in Yida, South Sudan and was founded by Raga Gibreel, from Folkestone.

The registered charity is currently raising money for essential hygiene facilities such as washing and toilet blocks, to make the camp safe for the children who have been displaced by war.

Of the swim, Ms Gibreel added: "We had a brilliant day, well supported by family, friends and community.

"I'm relieved because of the weather condition and so happy and very grateful for all support."

Mrs Hynes' TV roles include The Royle Family, Spaced, which she also co-wrote with Simon Pegg, Doctor Who and Years and Years.

Film credits includes Shaun of the Dead, Paddinton 2, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Confetti and Bridget Jones's Baby.

Mrs Hynes also directed, wrote and stared in The Fight, which was filmed in Folkestone.

Scenes were filmed at the Harbour Arm, the coastal park,The Warren, in Cornwallis Avenue and Radnor Park.

She also stared in The Seagull, another film shot in Folkestone.

She also has won many awards, including a television BAFTA for best female performance in a comedy programme for There She Goes and two British Comedy Awards.

Mrs Hynes said that people in Folkestone have coped incredibly during lockdown.

She said: "The people I have met have been incredible - cheerful, kind and resilient."

To support the charities, visit here and here.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone