KentOnline

A Sittingbourne woman has been telling us about the horror of discovering her fiancé was a paedophile just days after the birth of their baby girl.

Amy looked through his phone while he was asleep because she thought he might be cheating on her.

Also in today's episode, a family home in Faversham has been badly damaged in a huge fire.

Seven fire engines were called after it broke out overnight, completely destroying the roof of a property.

Climate activists have interrupted a speech by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in Gillingham.

He was setting out plans to reform education and boost the prospects of working class children.

Hundreds of stone tools dating back to the Ice Age have been found during an excavation in the Medway Valley.

Hear from the senior archaeologist who helped uncover these fascinating discoveries.

And, a couple who spent thousands of pounds searching for their cat which went missing the day before their wedding have finally been reunited with her.

Honey stowed away in a van and ran away while Alice and Alex were taking decorations to the venue in Detling.

A neighbour has spoken out about a fire at a block of flats in Greenhithe amid concerns about safety.

Three people had to be treated by paramedics following the blaze on the Ingress Park estate, and the local MP says there are ongoing issues with some properties.

Also in today's episode, a Medway mum has been telling us how the NHS saved her life, as we mark its 75th anniversary.

Jessica Taylor-Bearman spent four years in hospital from the age of 15, and was eventually diagnosed with ME.

One of Kent's biggest employers has announced plans to take on another 500 people.

BAE Systems provides advanced defence technology including satellites for aerospace and security, and already employs 1,500 people at its site next to Rochester Airport.

A couple from Sheppey have sold their home, quit their jobs and plan to sail the world to help those in need.

Dental hygienist Karolina and her engineer partner Lee are hoping to offer their skills to communities across the globe, and will live on their boat called "Good Deeds".

And, a tearoom in Ashford has been turned into the town's first sweet shop.

The owner has been telling us about all the delicious treats they will be selling, and why they made the decision to expand the business.

Locals of a 230 year old pub in Dartford are coming together to try to save the historic boozer from closing. 

The managers of The Lads of The Village in Stone are calling time on the current owners after nearly 45 years. 

Also in today's podcast, a drink driving mum who crashed her car into a store on Gillingham High Street was driving the wrong way down a one way street. 

She was found to be more than four times the legal limit at the time. 

A woman from Smarden says her mould infested council house is making her son so sick he's had to go to hospital. 

She's demanding the council either fix her property or move her somewhere else. 

A major pharmaceutical company on the Isle of Sheppey has announced it's closing - with 150 people now out of a job  

It comes just months after the same company cut 100 roles as they tried to make savings

And in sport, one of Gillingham's new recruits says he's confident he can have another successful season. 

Max Clark was part of the Stevenage squad that gained promotion from League 2 and says he's ready to do it again at the Gills. 

Furious residents in Ashford say their lives have been turned into a "total nightmare" as boy racers sound their horns and rev their engines through the night. 

Terrified neighbours have also complained of loud music and screeching tyres and say not enough is being done to tackle it. 

Also in today's podcast,  a warning for people living in a Kent village after a fire broke out in a barn. 

Fire crews are still on the scene of the blaze in High Halden to make sure it's fully extinguished. 

Parents have been left outraged after a school in Medway told pupils to remove nose studs as part of a clampdown on uniform . 

Strood Academy has come under fire - after students with piercings were reportedly being held in isolation or sent home. 

The new owners of a pub near Canterbury say they have no intention of rolling back a controversial "cashless" system. 

The scheme will stay in place despite objections because it's considered safer for staff. 

And in sport, heartbreak for Kent in the T20 blast. 

Yesterday the Spitfires lost to Somerset, missing out on a place in the quarter finals. 

A Medway teenager who blackmailed and sexually assaulted young girls has been locked up for 12 years...

Emmanuel Agbaje, 17 from Silver Streak Way in Strood, forced his victims to send him indecent photos then made threats to hurt them.

He admitted charges of rape, sex assault, blackmail and possessing indecent images. Hear from the mum of one of his victims who has spoken about what happened.

A drink driver who killed three people when he crashed at more than 120 miles per hour is starting 10 years in prison.

A court was told how 36-year-old Carl Simpson from Durham had drunk several pints of lager before the collision in Lydd.

Our reporter Alex Jee, who was at the sentencing, has more details on what happened. You can also hear from police who dealt with the case.

The government's announcing a big plan to overhaul NHS staffing to help cut waiting lists.

They want to recruit 300,000 extra nurses, doctors and other professionals by 2037.

Organisers of a Kent support group for people with Tourette's Syndrome say Lewis Capaldli's performance at Glastonbury is driving a rise in awareness of the condition.

TS is as prevalent as autism with 1 in 100 school children living with the condition.

And in sport, Kent are welcoming Sussex to Canterbury for their penultimate group game in the T20 Blast later.

The Spitfires will be hoping to make it seven wins in a row after turning round a disappointing start to the season.

People living in part of Ashford are angry about a water leak which they say is wasting thousands of litres every day.

It comes as the Kennington  area is under hosepipe ban restrictions in a bid to secure supplies this summer.

Hear from one resident who contact the water company about it.

Also in today's podcast, there's been a significant victory for campaigners and asylum seekers who've been challenging the government's planned Rwanda deportation scheme in the high court.

A group of judges have ruled the country is not a safe place for asylum seekers who have crossed the Channel in small boats to be sent to.

We've been getting reaction from refugee charity Care4Calais.

Another issue we're delving into is plant-based diets after students at the University of Kent voted in favour of moving to meat-free meals by 2027.

It's all about tackling climate change and having more sustainable food options on menus in future. We've been finding out what people on campus think and have been chatting to the Union president.

The leader of Medway Council has raised concerns about plans for devolution which could result in Kent having a directly-elected mayor.

Bosses are considering the idea, which would give authorities more power over key areas like transport budgets, roads and public health. Hear from Vince Maple who took on the job after the most recent local election.

Find out which fish and chip shop in Kent has been named one of the best in the country.

And, why it's important to check your Dart Charge account.

A woman has been left scarred for life following a hit and run near Ashford.

Forest Tozer was left covered in glass when it happened in Aldington and needed 20 stitches.

Also in today's podcast, a Dartford woman's calling for CCTV to be installed in all rooms in care homes after it took staff 20 minutes to realise her nan had suffered a fall.

92-year-old Dorothy Selwood tripped after getting out of bed at the home where she lived in Greenhithe.

Her grandaughter Samantha Thorne has been telling the podcast how she doesn't want it to happen to anyone else.

There are reports the UK's biggest water company, which covers areas around Dartford, could be about to go under.

The government say they're prepared for "a range of scenarios", with speculation Thames Water could be put into temporary public ownership.

Meantime, there are calls for South East Water customers to receive discounts on their bills as a hosepipe ban continues for a large part of Kent.

We have been speaking to the Consumer Council for Water.

700-thousand children across England - including some here in Kent - are said to be attending schools which need major repairs.

A new report claims around one in three school buildings are beyond their planned lifespan.

The man behind plans to completely transform an historic fortress in Kent says many people still don't know it even exists.

The Citadel at Western Heights in Dover could eventually be turned into hotels, restaurants, art galleries and music studios.

And in sport, Gillingham's players have returned to training today to get ready for the new season.

Their first match will be away to Stockport County on the 5th of August, before they welcome Accrington Stanley to Priestfield the following weekend.

The number of dog attacks in Kent so far this summer has led to police reminding owners about the law.

Figures seen by the KentOnline Podcast show there were more than 120 cases reported in May. Hear from a dog behaviourist from the county who's been reacting to the data.

Also in today's podcast, the issue of sending asylum seekers who cross the Channel to Kent to Rwanda is back on the agenda today.

A group of MPs is urging the government to abandon plans to detain or remove children, pregnant women or others who're vulnerable.

There could be a big shake-up of the political set-up in Kent, which could see the county get its first elected Mayor.

It's something known as devolution, and would see authorities join forces to have more power over things like transport budgets, roads and public health. Our political editor Paul Francis explains more.

The man in charge of the trains in Kent says he's looking forward to welcoming passengers to Kent's newest station.

Thanet Parkway has cost more than £35 million to build and will open at the end of July.

And, the boss of a new bar in Deal insists it'll bring a 'bit of life' back to the high street - but insists it won't become a rowdy pub.

Acordo Lounge will replace what used to be clothing store M&Co.

Figures obtained by the KentOnline Podcast show children from as far away as Buckinghamshire  are being offered places at grammar schools in Kent.

It's sparked outrage from parents in the county who say local pupils are being overlooked. We've been speaking to an education advisor.

Also in today's podcast, a hosepipe ban for parts of Kent can be enforced from today as hot temperatures create more demand for drinking water.

South East Water has put restrictions on watering gardens, washing cars and filling paddling pools  and fines of £1,000 can now be issued for breaking the rules.

Next today, and police could be asked to patrol outside schools in Kent to crackdown on harassment and bullying.

It's after a survey of young people found it had happened to one in four students - with some experiencing sexual comments or racism.

A Kent mum who fears her young twins aren't developing as they should, says she feels frustrated and angry over a lack of NHS appointments.

Sarah Johnson from Meopham had Iris and Astrid in 2021 and first raised concerns when they were approaching their first birthday.

In sport, hear from Kent's Tammy Beaumont who made history for England over the weekend.

Plus, in football, the Gillingham boss has been chatting ahead of his players returning to training this weekend.

The man who has spend millions of pounds transforming Folkestone town centre over the past 20 years insists he is not trying to "gentrify" the area.

Sir Roger De Haan has been defending a decision to build luxury flats on the seafront, insisting it will bring investment in.

Also in today's podcast, the Prime Minister has been in Dartford to try and reassure people worried about mortgage payments.

Interest rates have been increased to 5% as part of efforts to tackle high inflation, but there are concerns it will put more pressure on family finances.

Hear from the boss of Southeastern about their pay dispute with unions as more rail strikes have been announced for next month.

We also have details of another walkout by junior doctors which is likely to cause disruption to health services in Kent.

A new eco-surface has been installed around trees in Canterbury to stop the roots pushing through the pavement.

It is part of a £1 million city centre revamp, but some people have criticised its appearance.

And after fixture lists were announced yesterday, the Gillingham manager has been telling us about preparations for the new season.

Neil Harris say it will be a tough start against Stockport County and is hoping to boost the squad by signing some more players.