The life and work of Charles Dickens will be celebrated with special tours this Christmas.

The Dickens Country Experience will run every weekend, taking visitors on a bus tour around places associated with the author and celebrating his links with Medway and Gravesham.

Starting in Rochester, the tour takes in places like St James’ Church in Cooling, which provided the inspiration for the opening chapter of Great Expectations, and Gads Hill Place, the property where Dickens lived and died.

The two-hour tours start on November 15 and run until 21 December, including during the Dickens Christmas Festival on the weekend of December 6 and 7.

They will be led by a costumed character played by Ryan Philpott, who has appeared in EastEnders, while actor Simon Hepworth, who has appeared in Coronation Street, will take on the role of Dickens.

Cllr Howard Doe, who is in charge of community services, said: “Medway is a magical place to be at Christmas thanks to our links with Dickens and our new tour helps celebrate the life of the great author as well as the places he loved and was inspired by.

“This journey will give a fascinating insight into the life and times of Dickens and explore our unique Dickens country like nothing has before.”

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £7.50 for children/concessions. The tour includes a mulled wine or soft drink and a mince pie.