Heavy snowfall has delayed the start of the first ever Dickens Christmas Market.

The market was due to open on Friday morning, with an official lights switch on by former EastEnders star Emma Barton and the Mayor of Medway Cllr David Brake in the afternoon.

But heavy snowfall has hampered the construction of wooden chalets in Rochester Castle Gardens, leading to market organisers The Dream Workshop making the decision to delay the opening.

A spokesman said: "The team are working their socks off but we have decided to delay the launch until 10am on Saturday."

There will now not be an official ceremony to celebrate the switching on of the lights.

The Dickensian Christmas Festival, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, is still due to go ahead this weekend. However, a number of events planned are unable to take place because of the weather.

For more details keep checking www.medwaymessenger.co.uk.