East Farleigh's first fete for 12 years will take place later today.

It has been revived by the Forge Lane Action Group (FLAG), whose members are campaigning for a community footpath along Forge Lane.

The fete will boost the campaign because money raised from it will go towards building the footpath, along with National Lottery grants.

Building the footpath is likely to cost £25,000, and Kent developer Simon Wright Homes has pledged to make up the total sum and build the footpath once the fete funds and grants have been taken into account.

FLAG member Adam Palmer said: “Forge Lane has no pavements and is quite a busy stretch of road and central to the village.

“There is also a nasty bend that pedestrians have to negotiate, so we have been campaigning for a footpath for some time.”

The last village fete was held in 1996. Then the previous organisers decided they could no longer dedicate the time to arranging it.

East Farleigh Parish Council chairman John Wilson said: “Not only will the fete raise money for the much-needed footpath, it will bring people together socially.”

The fete takes place from 2pm to 5pm at East Farleigh recreation ground, featuring music from Bert Butler’s Jazz Pilgrims, dancing, a beer tent, barbecue, stalls and games.