UNDERRIVER is a small, affluent village about two miles south-east of Sevenoaks.

Its name is derived from the old English sub le ryver, which translates into modern English as "under the hill".

Up until the early 20th century, Underriver had its own school, forge, post office, pub and church.

Today, St Margaret's Church and the White Rock Inn remain, with the rest being converted into housing. Underriver House, a three-storey Queen Anne house, is the largest private dwelling.

The village is made up of 1,500 acres of farmland, woodland, orchards and gardens and offers good riding for the many villagers who keep horses.

The whole of Underriver is in the Green Belt and nearly all of it lies in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Some 350 to 400 residents live in approximately 130 homes, but despite its size, the village has a lively community with a host of groups and associations.

The horticultural society hosts annual events including a spring, flower, autumn and winter show, as well as plant sales.

The Underriver Cricket Club is very active for both players and non-players alike.

The ground nestles in parkland in the village and boasts its own clubhouse, The John Hitchcock Pavilion, named after a former club president.

St Margaret's Church features prominently in the middle of the village and provides regular Sunday services, a choir and children's activity groups.

The White Rock Inn and restaurant sits next door to the church, in Carter's Hill, a road known locally as the High Street.

This is a popular amenity and will be hosting the annual village Christmas dinner tomorrow (Friday).