A children's charity in West Farleigh raised more than £7,000 through an online auction, with items donated from some of Kent's best known brands.

Dandelion Time's Best of Kent auction bought in £7,059, with more than 450 people bidding on prizes.

Jess Kingston-Stewart, marketing officer at Dandelion Time, said: "We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our local community supporting our first ever online auction.

"It really was a celebration showcasing the very best of Kent.

"The auction would not have been possible without the generosity of our local suppliers such as Hush Heath, The Swan, Kent Crisps, Goupie and Leeds Castle who kindly donated such wonderful prizes – including days out, vineyard tours, artwork, Christmas hampers, and a year’s supply of loo roll from Kimberly Clark in Kings Hill."

Other prizes included being a goat keeper for a day and a month's supply of crisps.

Dandelion Time, which helps children struggling with trauma, domestic abuse and neglect, has lost out on £50,000 of fundraising this year thanks to the pandemic, which saw marathons and fairs cancelled.

But the generosity from those who headed to their website for the auction has boosted the charity's coffers.

The charity, in Charlton Lane, provides time for families to improve relationships and create new memories while embracing the natural world.

They spend time enjoying Dandelion Time's farm, caring for animals and growing produce. Children take part in hands-on activities such as woodwork and the whole experience is guided by a therapist.

While many organisations at the start of lockdown had to turn to other ways of operating, because Dandelion Time’s services run outside and with plenty of space, families have still been able to visit.

While Dandelion Time is not running group meeting, families can still have one-to-therapy sessions.

Miss Kingston- Stewart said: "All funds raised support our one-to-one therapeutic farm sessions helping transform the lives of vulnerable children and families at this crucial time."

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