Families affected by cleft lip and palate celebrated the arrival of the holiday season with a Christmas party in Maidstone.

Around 100 people enjoyed a day of festive fun and entertainment at Fant Community Hall in Fant Road.

It came courtesy of the Kent branch of the Cleft Lip and Palate Association, a charity which offers emotional support to affected families, as well as providing specially adapted feeding bottles for infants who are unable to suck due to the condition.

Entertainers wore elf costumes to treat youngsters to a Christmas disco, while Santa sat in his grotto, handing out gifts to good little boys and girls.

It was the second Christmas party held by the charity since it started working in Kent in 2016.

CLAPA Christmas party

Jackie Christos-Brooks, branch chairman, said: “It was a day to give something back and so the children and families could have fun and feel special.”