Excellent viewing conditions are expected over Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding area for this year’s Perseid meteor shower. The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most spectacular annual celestial events, well known for its bright and numerous m…
In pictures: mesmerising optical illusions up at The Base Greenham
‘A happy fun exhibition for all the family to enjoy. My Grandchildren were talking about it all day’, said one visitor to the new Ottopia exhibition currently running up at The Base So we sent our photographer Phil Cannings to take a look at this black…
Borussia Dortmund vs Aston Villa: Preview, predictions and lineups
By Ewan Murray Aston Villa finish their pre-season preparations this Saturday when they travel to Germany to play Borussia Dortmund in a friendly. The Villans have been busy in the transfer market ahead of an exciting Champions League campaign but that…
Rats on the rise as pest controllers answer Diss Town Council’s SOS
Residents and visitors to Diss are being asked to stop feeding the town’s wildlife as it is contributing to a growing number of rats. Diss Town Council has called on people to help tackle the growing issue by refraining from feeding ducks and pigeons i…
Free shop boss says online hate campaign triggered assault and suspected arson attempt at Maya’s Community Support Centre in Herne Bay
A foreign-born charity worker says an online hate campaign led to a violent assault on her and an attempted arson attack at her food bank. Maya Amangeldiyeva – who runs Maya’s Community Support Centre and Maya’s Free Shop in Herne Bay – has been left s…
Four-year-old Sittingbourne boy with Wilms tumour fights for life after finding lump on stomach
A mum says she is watching her four-year-old son fight for his life after his tummy ache turned out to be a rare kidney disease. Leslie Cooke was diagnosed with Wilms tumour after he woke up to find a tennis-ball-sized lump on his stomach. His cancer i…
Dreamland’s tie-up with Live Nation has seen the Margate venue become Kent’s best live music arena
If you ever wonder about the power of music, then look no further than Dreamland in Margate. When Dreamland reopened back in 2015, trading as a ‘vintage’ funfair it was great to have it back. Far better the site, just across the road from the town’s gl…
Five soft play centres to visit with the kids in the school holidays
There are plenty of things to do in the great outdoors in the summer but, sometimes, you just can’t beat a soft play centre. If your kids are starting to climb the walls after a few weeks off school, these are five of our top picks for a day indoors at…
Arriva 477 bus route trial running from Swanley to Bluewater and Darent Valley Hospital impacted by delays and timetable issues
A bus service trial impacted by roadworks and timetable mishaps has been branded a “disaster” less than two weeks since its launch. The 477 service, which starts in Orpington and goes through Swanley, cut its full service in October 2022 and only trave…
Dymchurch pensioner, 89, left bound and violated during terrifying burglary at her home
Masked burglars bound the hands and feet of an 89-year-old woman before beating her and ripping the wedding ring from her finger. Anthony Foord and Amie Lynn even threatened to make their victim drink laundry detergent during a merciless and “grotesque…