‘We’re celebrities – get us out of this hedge’


WORKERS at an East Malling new homes site dashed to rescue TV stars Ant and Dec when their hot air bal- loon made an unscheduled landing in a nearby field. The pair were filming the opening credits for a new series of Britain’s Got Talentwhen the balloon made an unexpected arrival. Plasterer Jim O’Cock, who was


working at the Hillreed Homes Oast Court Farm site in Wateringbury Road, said he feared he was about to witness a tragedy as the balloon “fell out of the sky” before landing in a hedge.


Having no idea who was in the bal-


loon, he and colleagues rushed over and pulled at the canopy to stop the


SNODLAND Scouts are count- ing on local votes to help secure £10,000 to renovate their build- ing. If they win the competition,


run by a major coffee company, they will spend the money on improving their 40-year-old fa- cilities in Clock Tower Mews. The Scouts' base was origi-


nally a canteen for workers building theM20 in 1971. It has been repaired several times and has had a new roof but is show- ing signs of wear and tear. The scheme's sponsor, Douwe Egberts, are urging charities to enter one of three categories,


basket becoming tangled. Jim said he shouted jokingly “nice


of you to drop in” and a Geordie voice replied “there’s always a come- dian, isn’t there?”, then the two pre- senters stumbled out. The stars, who front the reality


show “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here” explained that they had taken off from Leeds Castle and were being filmed from a helicopter. But the Union Jack balloon landed


by surprise, but safely, in a field. Hillreed sales representative Lisa


Veness, who dashed across the field, said: “I couldn’t believe my eyes.” She added that, despite their es- capade, Ant and Dec were “ab- solutely fabulous and very friendly.”


Re-fill, Re-use or Re-cycle. Scout group leader Peter


Byrne said: "We havemore than 120 young people involved in Scouting on five nights a week, as well as other community groups using the building dur- ing the day, so any funds to re- store the building would be really helpful. I would ask everyone who reads about our project to vote for us." People have until Thursday,


April 28, to vote on Facebook. Search for Douwe Egberts UK and follow the online links. Runners-up prizes of £5,000 and £3,000 are available, too.


Ant and Dec with Lisa Veness of Hillreed Homes after their air balloon made a surprise landing near her office in East Malling


Snodland are scouting for votes! Caravan appeal


AN INQUIRY will be held fol- lowing an appeal by Mr and Mrs P Gower into Tonbridge and Malling Council’s refusal of a retrospective planning appli- cation for the stationing of a touring caravan for residential use at Sunny Paddock, Birling Road, Leybourne. The proposals also included


the use of a stable block as an- cillary living accommodation.


Freshly fried FISH and chip restaurant, Papa's Barn in London Road, Ditton, is set to re-open in sum- mer, about 18 months after it was destroyed by fire.


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Malling 3


Theft of birds ELEVEN goldfinches were stolen from an aviary at the back of a property inWatering- bury Road, East Malling, be- tween Sunday, March 27 and 8.30am the following day. Those with information can call police on 01732 379217.


Camp site inquiry MR C Luke has appealed against an enforcement notice issued by Tonbridge and Malling Council over an alleged illegal caravan site at The Nurs- ery, Taylors Lane, Trottiscliffe. An inquiry will be held by the Planning Inspectorate.


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