DICKENSIAN times were brought to life in Rochester at the weekend as characters from his books strolled through the High Street.

The old streets were packed with visitors tightly wrapped up in Santa hats, scarves, big coats and gloves to keep the cold out.

The smell of roasted nuts, toffee and fudge drifted along the High Street where visitors who had come from across the country and Europe enjoyed the festive atmosphere.

The antiques shops were full of keen shoppers looking for a taste of Dickens to take home for Christmas.

Jemima and Dennis Gardner have been travelling down from Hertfordshire for many years for the festival. Mrs Gardner said: "It's a lovely atmosphere and we love coming to all the Dickens events throughout the year. My parents lived in Cuxton and my sister still does, so we have always been interested in Dickens and the history of the area."

Around 300 coaches arrived over the weekend bringing hundreds of visitors into the town.