KentOnline

Businesses in Kent are providing free meals for children over half term.
It comes after 322 MPs voted against extending free school meals for the country’s poorest children over the holidays.
Also, we look at the increase in domestic abuse being reported to Kent Police by men.
Plus, hear from a Tonbridge couple who say they might be able to get married sooner than they’d hoped thanks to a Kent MP.
 
There’s more news for Kent at kentonline.co.uk

The man in charge of public health in Kent has warned we need to take action now to make sure tougher coronavirus restrictions don’t affect us at Christmas.
Hear from Andrew Scott-Clark who warns we can’t be complacent even though cases in the county are lower than elsewhere.
Also, we speak to the head teacher of a school in Herne Bay that’s employing a specialist to help children with their mental health.
A strong man is attempting an epic challenge this weekend – find out what Rocky Troiani is going to be doing.
And we catch up with Gillingham boss Steve Evans ahead of their game this weekend against Fleetwood Town.

A Kent dad is campaigning for more awareness of childhood cancers after two of his children were diagnosed with tumours.
On both occasions Aaron Morgan and his partner Rebecca had to fight to get answers from medics after initially being sent home.
He’s been sharing their story with the KentOnline Podcast.
Also in today’s episode, there’s anger as only one Kent MP supports calls for free school meals to be extended over the holidays.
We hear that more needs to be done to make sure women with endometriosis get a quicker diagnosis.
And the financial state of Gillingham football club has been revealed.

Community reporter Oliver Kemp has been spending time in Thanet to hear from people who live and work there about what it’s really like.
This is Kent’s most deprived area, with high levels of unemployment and more than a third of children living in poverty.
But that doesn’t tell the whole story – Ollie joins Nicola Everett on today’s podcast and you can hear from the people he met.
Also in today’s episode, the app that’s helping to boost our mood during the pandemic and we hear from Gillingham’s assistant manager following their defeat last night to Portsmouth.

A University of Kent professor has told the KentOnline Podcast a second nation lockdown in England is needed to get to grips with a growing number of cases of coronavirus.Yesterday, it was announced that Wales will re-introduce tough new measures like those put in place in March, but should Boris Johnson do the same here?We’ve been speaking to virologist Martin Michaelis.
Also in today’s podcast, with the end of the transition period fast approaching there are fears over a no-deal Brexit and what it could mean for Kent.Plus we hear from the Gillingham boss ahead of their game with Portsmouth at Priestfield tonight.

First today, a court’s heard how a man serving life for murder could be the father of a prison officer’s baby.
Kerianne Stephens has admitted having a relationship with Louis Tate while working at Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey.
We have the latest on the proceedings.
Also in today’s podcast, the landlord of a pub on the Kent / London border says he fears he may have to close if Tier 2 restrictions are in place for more than a couple of weeks.
We’ve been speaking to a Gillingham mum who’s written a book after her daughter told her she wanted to be white.
And, Love Island star Jack Fincham posts on Insta about his car crash outside a Dartford pub.

In today’s podcast, hear from the Sevenoaks MP who’s calling for a ban on cosmetic procedures for under 18s.
Laura Trott has been speaking in the Commons and described the case of one girl who almost lost her lips after having fillers without a proper consultation.
Also in today’s episode, we speak to the Gillingham filmmaker who’s been recognised by the BFI.
Despite the pandemic, the Canterbury Festival is getting underway this weekend and an organiser tells us what’s in store.
Plus we look ahead to Gillingham trip to MK Dons in league one this weekend.

As London prepares to move into Tier 2 of the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, we explore what it means for Kent.
Dartford is right on the border, hear from the council leader there and the owner of a pub that’s just a mile from London.
Also in the podcast, thousands of children have been taking the Kent test today – an education expert has advice for parents.
And, there’s a refill revolution going on in Rainham – we’ve been speaking to a woman who’s converted her garden shed to help reduce plastic waste.

A man has been sent to prison following a hit and run in West Malling.
Three women were knocked down on a zebra crossing in March – two of them were left with life-changing injuries.
Also in today’s podcast, hear from local democracy reporter Ciaran Duggan as we’re asked if we’d be prepared to pay more council tax next year.
The manager of Chatham Town has been speaking about how football has helped him following the death of his wife.
And, find out which Kent teams are out of the FA Cup.

The man in charge of public health in Kent says it’s ‘business as usual’ a day after it was confirmed the county has been placed in the ‘medium risk’ category of the government’s new three-tier lockdown system.Hear from Andrew Scott-Clark on rates in the county and what we all need to be doing.Also in today’s podcast, tests get under way today to determine which children can apply for a place at a grammar school in Kent for next September.More young people have been using lockdown to come out – hear from 19 year-old Craig from Medway who told his parents about his sexuality while spending more time with them.And we have an update on the graduate, the damage sofa and the withheld law degree.