Children’s favourite Peppa Pig is set to return to Ashford for a festive family fun day on Saturday.

The event has been organised by Ashford council alongside businesses and will see the town centre transformed into a winter wonderland.

It will replace the more traditional Christmas lights switch-on, as the lights will go on at noon and remain switched on until midnight as the council hopes to attract visitors to stay in the town.

Peppa will be making visits to County Square, the High Street and Park Mall between 11am and 4.30pm.

At 2pm they will be joined in County Square by stars from the pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs who will be promoting their shows at the Marlowe Theatre.

Meanwhile the Park Mall shopping centre is set to become the North Pole ready for the arrival of Father Christmas, and the Christmas tree has been set up near the bandstand in the High Street.

Cllr Graham Galpin, whose role is to promote the town centre, said: “It will be a wonderful event that people of all ages can enjoy.

“We hope residents will come along to support our local traders who work so hard for us throughout the year.

“Please join us, celebrate the festive season and show your support for your home town.”

There will also be market stalls and children’s amusement rides set up in the lower High Street, while Revelation St Mary’s is organising a packed programme of music in the central bandstand.

Kmfm will also be supporting the event.

Full report and pictures from the day in next week's Kentish Express.