During the coronavirus lockdown, and to coincide with National Share a Story Month, KentOnline is publishing a new episode of Meryl Ledbrooke's The Adventures of Number 3 Tin Cottage every Friday.

Meryl, from the Isle of Sheppey, is working on a new children's TV show and has agreed to share her project. She said: "I hope parents will read these short tales to their youngsters. I think they will make great bedtime stories."

The theme of May's literary celebration is the Planet We Share which includes stories about animals and people. If you missed the first two episodes, there are links at the bottom.

Episode 3 - The visit of Dolly Molly-Polly.

Many of you probably know about Number 3 Tin Cottage and the magical adventures which take place here.

There was a lot of excitement this week as Dolly Molly-Polly from Giggleswick was coming to visit.

Jeffrey the magician and his assistant Chantelle were both busy in the kitchen when there was a knock on the door. Knock! Knock!

"I'll get it," said Chantelle and off she ran to open the door.

"Oh, look! It's Dolly Molly-Polly," she exclaimed.

"Hello everyone. I hope I'm not late," said Dolly, smiling broadly.

"I have parked my tractor outside. You can't miss it. It's bright red!"

She put put a large carpet bag down on the floor and straightened her floppy hat.

"I have brought you all some fresh strawberries for tea," she said.

"My favourite!" said Chantelle.

"Brilliant!" said Jeffrey.

Eggwina Cluckbucket the chicken can't speak so she honked on her hooter, which meant she was happy, too.

Jeffrey put the strawberries on the table.

"Oh, just a minute, I'll get the cream from my bag," said Dolly.

She peered into her bag only to find two empty tubs of cream and a very guilty-looking cat.

"Sir Jazz-Purr!" scolded Jeffrey. "That cream was to go with our strawberries."

Then he added: "Never mind. I'll get my magic wand and put things right."

He waved his wand said the magic words "mystical, magical, roundabout" and there was a whoosh and a bang and a big puff of pink smoke.

The trouble was, when the smoke cleared there was a very big cow standing in the kitchen.

"Moo," said the cow, looking more than a bit surprised.

"Oops!" said Jeffrey. "I was hoping for two tubs of cream."

"Well," said Dolly, "You appear to have conjured up a cow instead. She might be where the milk comes from to make the cream but she's far too large to go in the fridge."

Just then there was another knock on the door and there stood Farmer Diggit holding two tubs of fresh cream.

"My spell DID work!" said Jeffrey.

Farmer Diggit looked very surprised to see a cow in their kitchen. "What is a cow doing in your kitchen?" he asked.

"Not a lot," admitted Jeffrey.

"Come on, I'll take you to my farm," said Farmer Diggit to the cow.

Everyone then sat down to a delightful tea.

As for Sir Jazz-Purr, he just licked his whiskers and went straight to sleep.

"Next time I come over on my tractor I'll bring some ice cream," promised Dolly.

To read episode 2 click here

To read episode 1 click here