Town prepares for historic trip to Wembley

Up to 10,000 fans are expected to make the trip to Wembley on Sunday

Famous faces have been showing their support for Whitstable Town FC in Kent as they head to Wembley for the biggest game in their 135-year history.

The Oystermen are taking up to 10,000 fans with them to Wembley as they face Surrey's AFC Whyteleafe in the final of the FA Vase.

Suggs, Whitstable resident and frontman of ska band Madness, has taken on lead vocals on the club's new cup final song, while the author of the book behind the BBC series Whitstable Pearl, Julie Wassmer, said the trip to the capital would be "amazing".

Wassmer, who moved to the town 26 years ago, said: "I know that we're not favourites, but I think that we can win and we're all going to be rooting for the team."

'It's extraordinary'

Shane Attwooll, a West End actor who sang alongside Suggs on the cup final song, said: "To have someone with the kudos of Suggs being part of it is such an incredible thing for the club. It's extraordinary.

"There's a very good chance we could be lifting the trophy."

The town of Whitstable is known for its oysters, and the Whitstable Oyster Company has been at the centre of the trade since the 1400s.

James McVicar and Renny Hall delivered oysters to Whitstable's ground

At its peak in the 1850s, the company was shipping up to 80 million oysters a year to Billingsgate fish market.

So as another huge moment in the town's history is being made, Renny Hall and James McVicar delivered some of their oysters to Whitstable Town's ground in Belmont Road.

"We're very deep rooted with the town, and in the 1850s the whole town would've been involved with gathering oysters," said Mr Hall.

"With the amount of zinc, vitamins and minerals that are in oysters, they are actually a really good food to eat and, in fact, I'd recommend the players have a couple each at half time."

Whitstable take on AFC Whyteleafe at 12:15 BST on Sunday, with full coverage on BBC Radio Kent.