Do not disturb signs will be hung on the doorknobs of homes in three villages in Kent this week, with residents avidly glued to their television sets.

Coxheath, Goudhurst and Penshurst are all competing for the coveted title of Village of the Year in the Channel 4 series presented by Penelope Keith.

Coxheath is counting on its being the venue for the World Custard Pie Championships to win it bonus points, while Goudhurst has its attractive duckpond and smugglers gang.

Penshurst boasts Penshurst Place and St John the Baptist Church.

The entrants - and there are 76 from across the country - will be judged on history, events, activities and the visitor experience.

Goudhurst will be featured in tomorrow’s programme at 3pm. Penshurst is on Wednesday at 3pm and it’s Coxheath’s turn same time on Thursday.

The South East area final will be broadcast on Saturday, January 27, at 8pm.