A charity hopes flashing festive knits will still sweep the county this December, despite the challenges of 2020.

Save the Children's Christmas Jumper Day is taking place this year on Friday, December 11.

The global pandemic has meant charities' funds have been more stretched than ever before but the organisation hopes the public will join in with the annual fundraiser to raise both some much-needed Christmas cheer as well as vital money to support vulnerable children in the UK and around the world.

Whether it be zoom calls taken over by jumpers festooned in jingle bells, children ditching school uniforms in favour of winter woollies or supermarket staff sporting sparkles galore - it is hoped despite coronavirus restrictions that communities will continue to come on board just as they have done in previous years.

Christmas Jumper Day has raised £25.1million since its launch in 2012.

But joining in the festive fun is more important than ever says Save the Children because the effects of the pandemic mean that more children now find themselves living in poverty, going hungry or unable to learn.

To take part simply make, upcycle, borrow or buy a festive sweater, wear it on Friday, December 11 and donate £2 (or £1 for children) to Save the Children.

This year, people can fundraise and donate in whatever way works best with guides, helpful information and free fundraising packs available at www.christmasjumperday.org

Also in a sign of the times - Save the Children is also creating a JustGiving page for schools this year as an alternative way for children to donate their £1. A link for which will be included in each fundraising pack sent out.

And to help raise additional funds, a number of Christmas Jumper Day products are also being released ahead of the big fundraiser.

Save the Children has printed a limited edition edit of Share the Love vintage jumpers available from www.savethechildren.org.uk and Jacob’s is giving its bestselling Christmas food caddies a festive makeover. The Mini Cheddars, Twiglets, Cracker Crisps Sour Cream & Chives and Cheeselets – which have been temporarily renamed Treeselets as a nod to the snack’s festive new shape - will be dressed up in Christmas jumper-style packaging to match with Jacob's also making a £100,000 donation to the charity.

Whilst toy shop The Entertainer, which has branches across Kent, is selling an exclusive, limited edition toy set of the Peppa Pig family - each wearing their own Christmas jumper whilst publishers Ladybird is once again selling popular book Peppa’s Christmas Jumper Day to raise extra funds.

For more Christmas events across Kent click here.