Singing legend Sir Tom Jones has been announced as the next big name to play Bedgebury as part of the annual Forest Live concerts this summer.

The official announcement that the Welsh singer will headlining at the pinetum, near Goudhurst, on Friday, June 17 was made this morning.

He will join Kaiser Chiefs, whose gig on Saturday, June 18 is already sold out after tickets went on sale last month.

Sir Tom and Kaiser Chiefs lead singer Ricky Wilson have been fellow judges on the BBC's The Voice until last year.

It has been some years since Kent fans have been able to see Sir Tom play in the flesh.

The last time was at Leeds Castle around 10 years ago.

Commenting on his upcoming performance on Friday, June 17, Tom Jones said: “What a lovely experience this is going to be. I respect and admire the whole idea of Forest Live and hope you can join me to be a part of it.”

Forest Live aims to bring new audiences to Forestry Commission sites and has been going for 15 years.

Tickets for the event go on sale 9am on Friday. They cost £48.50 plus a £5.35 booking fee.

For details of the line-up at Forest Live gigs so far announced, go to www.forestry.gov.uk