THE Countess of Wessex attended the 20th birthday celebrations of the Museum of Kent Life at Cobtree in Sandling, near Maidstone.

She arrived by helicopter and officially opened the newly-restored 16th century farmhouse in the grounds. She also met delighted children from Goudhurst and Kilndown Primary School.

Later the Countess visited the Demelza House children's hospice at Bobbing, near Sittingbourne. There she met children, parents and volunteers.