A WHITE Christmas has come early to England with the opening of the unique Lapland experience at Bedgebury Forest, Goudhurst.

Just days after the venture was given the go ahead by Tunbridge Wells council, the first of 35,000 people, who have bought £90-plus tickets, were transported to Lapland without leaving a massive carbon footprint.

The brainchild of father-of-four Mike Battle, the experience allows visitors to walk in a winter wonderland of fake snow and visit Father Christmas together with his elves.

A Saami village has been built, complete with reindeer and huskies, and children can have a go at making gingerbread men and listen to stories from Santa-land. The fully-booked attraction runs until December 31.

Have you been to Lapland UK? What did you think of it? Email messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk

Full report in this week's Kent Messenger.