A former High Sheriff exercised her right as a Freeman of the City of London yesterday by driving six sheep across London Bridge in an unusual way of promoting two causes.

Amanda Cottrell, who lives in Challock, near Ashford, Kent, was joined by television historian and author Dr David Starkey and other campaigners as she drove the six New Romney rams from the City side to the south side of the river.The unusual event took place to generate support for the £50m Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal along with Produced in Kent, a scheme which encourages people to eat more regionally-produced food.

Mrs Cottrell, 67, said yesterday: "It was absolutely brilliant. The sheep were impeccably behaved, it really was an unusual, but I think, effective way of raising publicity about the two causes."

Mrs Cottrell was also accompanied by Viscount De L'Isle, whose family seat Penshurst Place is situated in the Weald of Kent and the chairman of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, as well as her four-year-old grandson, Jack Regan.

She added: "It went better than I could possibly have hoped for, and we had tremendous support. I think we got the message across loud and clear."

Mrs Cottrell, a former High Sheriff of Kent, is allowed to drive sheep across the famous landmark bridge in the capital after being made a Freeman of the City of London last year.

Only those made a Freeman of the City of London are permitted to drive sheep across the bridge, which is an ancient privilege dating back to the 11th century.

Kent County Council deputy leader Alex King, also a Freeman of the City of London, said: "This event brings a little piece of Kent to the big city and helps to get our message across."