A charity event was criticised today for allowing "racist" golliwogs to be sold at an open garden fundraiser in castle grounds.

But Jane Clark, owner of Saltwood Castle near Hythe defended the stallholder, saying the dolls were "not racist" and "beautifully made."

Speaking inside the 12th-century castle grounds she said: "I bought one myself. I feel rather upset for the owner of the stall that someone has complained.

"They are not racist at all and they are beautifully made. The owner refers to them as 'golli's' rather than golliwog."

Mrs Clark, widow of the late politician Alan Clark, brushed off the criticism, pointing out golliwogs were sold alongside white dolls.

Designed to look like minstrels, the red-lipped black woven dolls with frizzy hair are based on Florence Kate Upton's 19th century children's character.

In the first book, The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls and a Golliwogg, her creation is described as "a horrid sight, the blackest gnome".

However it soon turns out to be a friendly character and is later attributed a "kind face".

Failing to trademark her character, Golliwog's image would later be used to market Robertson's Jam and Trebor sweets.

Stallholder and dollmaker Christine Skeham, from Littlestone, said those complaining "didn't understand" the doll's history.

However, Rebecca Wise, 25, a trainee architect from Lyminge, said she was shocked the dollmaker still made the toys.

Ms Skeham said: "I brought six that I made myself and I only have one left, I think it's the younger age group who get upset about this.

"You only have to read an Enid Blyton book to see golliwogs are not racist.

"People sell them in shops, I'm not the only one selling them, some people just don't understand.

"It's all of these do-gooders who make a fuss."

Miss Wise, who now lives in London, was visiting Jane Clark's open garden and plant sale with mum Julie Wise, from Ashford, when she noticed the toys.

She said: "I know people may have different views but I believe they are outdated, and I was shocked someone would go to the effort of making new golliwog dolls.

"To me I feel the exaggerated look of the doll is offensive and with its big lips, hair and outfit, and they represent racist depictions.

"I feel that the doll has come to represent something quite different over the years and I understand some people may have different views.

"But there is no need for this any more."

"I complained to the organisers and I was just shocked at how accepting they were of the dolls."

Earlier this year Andy Wilkinson, owner of shop the Upstairs Downstairs in Faversham, vowed to continue selling them despite complaints from neighbours.

They called his store "an embarrassment to the town."

Speaking to KentOnline in March the antique shop owner said: "Golliwogs are collectibles. They're just part of history."