Podcast: Figures reveal a dramatic increase in the number of pupils being excluded from schools in Kent

It has been revealed children as young as four have been suspended from Kent schools, amid a rise in the number of exclusions across the county.

The numbers follow a trend across the country after Covid, with the lockdowns that started in 2020 affecting many children’s formative years.

Also in today’s podcast, the man who oversees the police in Kent has told us he’d be interested in becoming the county’s first Mayor.

But Matthew Scott has urged the government to speed up any reorganisation of local authorities.

Double amputee Tony Hudgell’s been gifted a signed football shirt from David Beckham.

The 10-year-old from West Malling was just weeks old when he suffered appalling abuse at the hands of his birth parents.

A protest walk has been held on Romney Marsh as campaigners push back over plans for solar and energy storage schemes.

Possible projects include the 1,500 acre South Kent Energy Park and the 1,000 acre Shepway Energy Park.

Rebecca Adlington’s been in Kent to take part in an endurance swim to raise awareness of protecting our oceans.

The former Olympian was joined by Happy Valley star James Norton at Joss Bay – and admitted it was pretty tough.

And in sport, Bradley Dack has revealed he’s got unfinished business ahead of a new season at Gillingham  

The 31-year-old has signed on for another year – after only making 20 appearances during the last campaign.