Dame Kelly Holmes has handed out a double gold of her own to colleagues at Sevenoaks Hospital after visiting to judge the Christmas decorations competition.

The Olympic hero, from Hildenborough, whose late grandmother Elsie Norman was cared for on both Holmesdale and Stanhope, was given a tour of the wards.

They have have been decked out with everything from 10 leaping lords and three French hens to a couple of penguins and a giant snowman.

Matron Caroline Essenhigh pitted the wards against each other with Team Reindeer, aka Holmesdale Ward, led by therapy assistant Sharon Wells, choosing a '12 Days of Christmas’ theme.

Patient Mary Lawrence gave the thumbs up to her partridge in a pear tree display.

On the other side of the hospital, Team Santa, led by therapy assistant Josie McArthur, plumped for a ‘Night Before Christmas’ setting with Dasher, Dancer and Prancer all putting in an appearance.

Caroline said: “In the new year, we are introducing named nurses for each patient so they get continuity of care. We split the staff into two teams and each person takes responsibility for a patient so their friends and relatives know who to speak to about their recovery.

“I thought having a competition between the two teams was a great way to start this and they really threw themselves into the challenge, getting the patients making paper chains and Christmas decorations as part of their therapy. Nurse Tony Shoebridge even made a beautiful cardboard fireplace.”

“I’m really impressed with the effort they’ve gone to for their patients who won’t be able to spend Christmas Day at home. It’s a great atmosphere" - Dame Kelly Holmes...

After a tour of the wards and wishing a belated happy birthday to Ruby Logsdon, who turned 95 yesterday, Dame Kelly called it a draw, with it being too close to call at the finish line.

She said: “It’s been really wonderful and I love the creativity. My nan stayed on both wards, once when she broke her hip and another time when she was really poorly.

"Sadly she passed away this year, aged 98. My mum Pam Thomson and I visited her every day when she was in hospital and the staff were fantastic.

“Because of this and everything you do for everyone here – including the care you gave my nan, I’m calling it a draw!”

Dame Kelly, who has just opened her own coffee shop in Hildenborough, added: “I’m really impressed with the effort they’ve gone to for their patients who won’t be able to spend Christmas Day at home. It’s a great atmosphere."