Scrooge is not known for his considerate, obliging qualities.

But an actor playing the part of the cold-hearted miser in a festive production in Rochester has pledged to carry on regardless, despite badly straining a leg ligament back stage.

Barry Kearns, who is also producing and directing A Christmas Carol, is hobbling on at Medway Little Theatre with the aid of a walking stick, knee bandage and painkillers.

Barry, 40, tripped over props at the High Street venue during the final full dress rehearsal on Sunday.

But with curtain up the following evening, there was no time to replace his character of the young Ebenezer Scrooge, created by Charles Dickens.

Dad-of-three Barry said: "We would have had to cancel. It's the most technical production I have been involved in with 20 adults and 20 children. So it was a case of the show must go on."

Barry, who lives with wife Amy in Clive Road, Rochester, trained as an actor in his younger days.

But with the need to pay bills bringing up a young family, Barry got a job as a construction site manager.

He joined the theatre's am dram group 20 years ago and this is his second production.

He said: "I've been working on this for months. I'm a big Dickens fan and love this novel. I have helped out with the costumes, painting, building the set. My daughter Isla is singing Silent Night."

He said: "It would have been OK if I was just sat down directing. I'm only on stage for about half an hour and my set ends with a rousing song called Humbug, which I wrote myself and definitely helps me get through it."

The play is on every night until Saturday, starting at 7.30pm.

Call the box office on 01634 400322. There may be some tickets available, due to cancellations.