jhorn@thekmgroup.co.uk

Top entertainer Jools Holland has stepped forward to help a cash-strapped children’s charity in Medway.
The musician and TV presenter, who lives in Cooling, is donating several thousands of pounds to CPC Kent, which runs the Smiley Steps Centre in Cliffe Woods.
Jools is also hoping to raise awareness of the charity at his concert at Rochester Castle Gardens on Thursday, July 16.
The cash will be gratefully received by CPC Kent, which is in desperate need of funds. Its Smiley Steps Centre, based in View Road, is the only one of its kind in the county, offering education for children with cerebral palsy and similar motor disorders.
Earlier this year, charity bosses announced devastating news for the children who use the centre and their parents. Services had to be cut after a dramatic drop in donations.

Jools said: "I was told about the CPC Kent at my local pub in Cooling, which has been doing some fund-raising.I discovered the charity has been having some difficulties and needed a bit of help so I wanted to support them."

CPC fund-raising manager Linda Phillips said: "To have someone like Jools Holland support our charity is a big help. We can't thank him enough."

Jools isn't the first celebrity to back CPC Kent. Comedian Joe Pasquale has supported the charity for many years.

Find out why Jools Holland thinks Rochester is a magical place for a concert in Out on the Towns, in the Medway Messenger, in the shops now.