A BUSINESSMAN'S dream of bringing a Lapland white Christmas to the Weald of Kent scraped through by just one vote at a planning meeting last night - just three days before opening day.

Tunbridge Wells councillors voted 6-5 to allow the seven-figure festive attraction to go ahead at Bedgebury Forest, Goudhurst. All 35,000 tickets have been sold and it will open its doors for the first time on Saturday.

Mike Battle, the Bromley-based entrepreneur behind the project, who was criticised by councillors for not putting in an earlier planning application, told the meeting he had been assured by the Forestry Commission it was not necessary.

After the meeting, Mr Battle said he was relieved, adding: "I am looking forward to bringing some Christmas magic which is very badly needed in the Weald of Kent."

See this week's Kent Messenger for full story.