Fears of wet weather proved unfounded as the Mayor of Ashford hosted his garden party at Great Maytham Hall in Rolvenden.

Proud of his home town of Tenterden, Cllr John Link wanted to show guests from across Kent the glorious countryside of the Weald.

Guests strolled on the lawns in front of the listed mansion built in 1910 and promenaded through the Secret Garden made famous by the book of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

The guest list of 300 plus included past and present Ashford MPs Sir Keith Speed and Damian Green, as well as mayors and council chairmen from across the county, including Tenterden Mayor Cllr John Weller, an office Cllr Link once held himself.

One first-time guest all were delighted to see was the man that had served as Mayor’s chauffeur and attendant for years, Richard Vella, who is recovering from a heart attack.

Twenty pupils from Homewood School provided the entertainment with the Spare Reeds featuring individual singers and players and the Showstoppers dancers giving displays.

A dozen-strong African Christian dance group in traditional robes also performed on the lawns.