A charity in Deal has launched a new festive event in a bid to save Christmas 2020 for families.

With 'the most wonderful time of the year' under threat amid the coronavirus pandemic, and dozens of county events including Christmas Light switch-ons cancelled , Martha Trust has stepped in with a new idea.

The disability charity is launching a double bill drive-in cinema event with screenings of two family favourites - Elf and Home Alone .

Both will be held on Sunday, December 6 - the first at 5pm and the second at 8pm - in the fields of Solleys Ice Cream at Ripple.

Families can relax in the comfort of their car with seasonal treats like hot chocolate, waffles and mulled wine from on site vendors. Groups can also take their own refreshments.

Tickets cost £30 per car or £55 for the double bill and will be sold on a first come first served basis.

Money raised will go towards helping residents with profound multiple and physical learning disabilities living at Martha Trust, which faces a more than £30,000 deficit due to cancelled fundraising events in 2020 .

Fundraising and events officer Kerry Banks BEM said: "We are incredibly excited to be able to put on these socially distanced events to raise monies for our guys and girls at Martha and extremely grateful to our friends and long term supporters at Solleys to enable this to happen.

"Also our huge thanks goes to Zac from Open Air Cinema for all his support.

"We expect the event to be a sell out so don’t delay in booking as when they’ve gone they’ve gone!"

Solleys Ice Cream director Katie Morrison said: “We are excited to be hosting the very first outdoor cinema event for Martha.

"Martha Trust is our chosen charity and sadly, due to the pandemic, their flagship annual event Music on the Farm had to be cancelled this year so this is a great and exciting alternative. We look forward to welcoming you all."

Gates open one and half hours before the screening, where cars will be directed to a holding bay away from the event field to assist with the volume of traffic between both films.

Cars will require a working FM radio. Anyone thinking of bringing a vehicle larger than a standard SUV is asked to email kerrybanks@marthatrust.org.uk before buying a ticket.

Sponsorship packages are available to showcase your business on the big screen from just £150. Call 01304 610448.

Book tickets here .

Read more: All the latest news from Deal