Former EastEnders actress Cheryl Fergison used her Albert Square charm to raise enough funds to pay for a space at her acting school.

The soap star, who played Heather Trott in the programme, was at the Mall Chequers, off King Street, Maidstone, yesterday, to promote the workshops she has planned for the Easter holidays.

The five-day courses, which start on Monday, April 7, and Monday, April 14, cost £150 per child.

The Albert Square favourite collected enough donations at the shopping centre to fund one youngster’s place. She hopes to secure sponsorship from businesses to help other families who can’t afford the fee.

The sessions are open to children aged between five and 16, will be held at The Malling School, in Beech Road, East Malling.

More information can be found at www.cfscreativearts.com.