KentOnline

A great-grandad from New Romney has become the first person in Kent to be given the Covid-19 vaccination.
Kenneth Lamb had the injection at Ashford’s William Harvey Hospital just days as the Pfizer / Biontech jab was approved for use in the UK.
In today’s podcast hear from Ashford GP Dr Jack Jacobs on what a momentous day it is in the fight against coronavirus.
Also, we’ve been speaking to a young Kent woman who’s been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after suffering with symptoms for 10 years.
She’s been speaking as new research shows 1 in 5 people diagnosed in the UK is under the age of 30.
And we hear from the Gillingham boss ahead of tonight’s EFL trophy game at Cambridge United – which’ll be played in front of supporters.

A mass coronavirus testing facility has opened in Medway which now has the highest rate of infection in England.The military have set up the site in Chattenden in a bid to identify people who’ve got the virus but aren’t showing any symptoms.Hear from the council leader, head of public health in the towns and the commanding officer for the Medway Resilience Unit.Also in today’s podcast, are supermarkets still doing enough to enforce social distancing? We’ve got the results of a KentOnline poll.Find out why Rochester Cathedral will be lit up green tonight.And, we’ve got reaction from Gillingham’s win over Swindon Town at the weekend from boss Steve Evans.

Unexpected snowfall caught Kent by surprise and caused a number of problems on the roads.We’ve been chatting to one of the county’s leading highways bosses to see how prepared they are for winter.Also in today’s podcast – students prepare to travel home for Christmas but many are still concerned about spreading coronavirus.A wild animal park is hoping to raise thousands to create a forever home for rescued lions and bears.And, independent retails are hoping for a bumper weekend, which includes small business Saturday, after reopening following lockdown.Plus we hear from striker John Akinde ahead of Gillingham’s game against Swindon Town this weekend.

More than 30 years after two young women were killed in Tunbridge Wells, a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.Wendy Knell, 25, and Caroline Pierce, 20, both lived in basement bedsits in the town and worked in the same road.Cold case detectives have regularly reviewed the investigation and are now questioning a 66-year-old man.Also in today’s podcast, we have more reaction to news of a coronavirus vaccine has been approved.A man who’s made a film about county lines drug dealing hopes it’s wake-up call for parents and young people.And, we’ve got reaction from the Gillingham manager to last night’s win over Bristol Rovers.

It’s a massive day in the fight against Covid-19 as the first vaccine is approved for use in the UK.In today’s podcast, hear from a virologist at the University of Kent on how it’s been developed so quickly and from the head of care group as we’re told the elderly will be the first to have the jab.We’ve also got reaction to Kent now being in Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions.While shops are able to reopen, pubs can still only do takeaway and other indoor leisure venues have to stay closed.We’ve been speaking to the boss of Adventure Kidz in Aylesford and Phil Thorley from Thorley Taverns in Thanet.Finally, hear from Gillingham’s assistant boss ahead of their trip to Bristol Rovers tonight in league one.

It’s the final day of the second national coronavirus lockdown in England and from tomorrow Kent will be in Tier 3 restrictions.
That means while all shops can open again, pubs will only be able to do takeaways and indoor attractions will have to stay closed.
MPs have been debating it in the commons, hear what one of them had to say.
Also in today’s podcast, there’s a call for schools to be able to close early for Christmas to ensure children can spend time in a family bubble – we’ve been speaking to the chair of the Kent Association of Headteachers.
And, our friends at KMTV have been to visit one attraction that can’t wait to re-open tomorrow – and neither can their lions and tigers! Hear from the animal director at Port Lympne near Hythe.

Back after a long hiatus, KM’s political editor Paul Francis sits down with Oliver Kemp to discuss the biggest political stories of the week.
On the eve of the government’s vote over England’s tier system, is a mutiny on the cards?
And as Brexit edges ever closer, Paul talks us through what lies in store for Kent. 

A woman who was in an abusive relationship for 10 years has told her story in a bid to help others.Sadie – not her real name – now helps to run refuges in west Kent.She’s spoken of the moment she realised what she was putting up with wasn’t right and how she finally made the decision to leave.Also in today’s podcast, the row over the tier system after lockdown continues – hear from the chief exec of Hever Castle who says people in the west of the county are being unfairly punished.There’s been a rise in the number of people home schooling during the pandemic – a mum tells us how it’s going for her.And we have reaction to Gillingham’s exit from the FA Cup.

It’s Black Friday and we’re being urged to support local traders in Kent who’ve faced one of the toughest ever years.
While many have adapted to selling online during the pandemic – some have struggled against big names like Amazon.
And while they might be able to reopen when lockdown ends next week, it’s feared takings will still be well down at what is normally the busiest time of the year.
Also in the podcast, the Tier debate causing an east / west divide in Kent.
A family speak after their house was destroyed by fire.
The Margate Film Festival gets under way.
And, we hear from Gillingham’s Dominic Samuel ahead of their FA Cup clash this weekend.

Kent will be in Tier 3 when lockdown ends next week.
Hear from health secretary Matt Hancock and find out what it will mean for you.
We’ve also got reaction from MP’s Sir Roger Gale and Rosie Duffield plus the owner of Adventure Kidz soft place centre in Aylesford.
Also in the podcast, a homeless shelter opens in Gravesham with a warning they’re likely to have a waiting list of people wanting beds.
Jax Jones has been speaking to our sister radio station kmfm.
And, the Gillingham boss says football just isn’t the same without the fans – he hopes they can be back in stadiums soon.