Paper praised

Top industry judges have applauded the “excellent local reporting” in the Kentish Gazette. The paper - now in its 300th year - was said to produce “substantial and comprehensive news coverage” after it made a six-strong shortlist in the weekly newspaper of the year category at the Regional Press Awards. Its new sister title, the Cambridge Independent, was named winner at a ceremony in London on Friday, with the Kent Messenger highly commended among those with a circulation over 15,000. The Kentish Gazette has also been shortlisted in the Kent Newspaper of the Year Award at the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards. Columnist Harry Bell and news editor Joe Walker also make shortlists. The winners will be announced at the Kent Spitfire Ground on July 14.