There were many excited faces in Southborough this week as a group of children were surprised with a visit from a member of the much loved 90s pop group, Steps.

Building on the success of an on-going campaign, Lidl has landed in Kent as the first part of a national drive to celebrate the work of community stars and volunteers.

After asking customers to nominate their community stars, a team from the supermarket surprised the children and staff at a nursery in Southborough, near Tunbridge Wells alongside lead singer of Steps, Claire Richards, on Wednesday.

The team was led by Claire who presented Holden Park with a year’s supply of craft making and cake decorating kits for the kids, and a hamper full of goodies for the hardworking staff.

Staff at the pre-school were nominated to be Community Stars by local resident Janine Stoneman.

She said: “The staff have been amazing with my son Mason. I have been his mum for over 3 years and in his lifetime he has a lot to endure which has affected him in many different ways.

"Ruth and her team has helped with any special needs Mason has had and made sure he has been looked after and always gone out of their way to help him.”

During the visit Claire Richards played at the craft tables and sang songs with the children.

She said: “It was a real privilege to come here today and see the work the staff here do with the children.

"It’s easy to take this kind of work for granted, but making sure the country’s little people are properly looked after is tough. It’s also really important - every single one of these carers is a star!’’

The feel-good campaign will now see the team travel the length and breadth of the UK to meet individuals who have improved the lives of others.