This website’s sister paper, the Kentish Gazette, was the cream of the crop at an awards ceremony on Thursday.

The paper took home the coveted paid-for weekly newspaper of the year at the London and South of England Media Awards.

The Gazette beat stiff competition from the Gravesend and Dartford Messengers, also owned by the KM Group, and the South London Press.

The judges said: “The Kentish Gazette grabbed the judges instantly – with front pages that draw the reader in and exclusives that make you want to read on.

“Good headlines too – 'They just open their trousers and stand there' is not a headline we've come across before!".

Reporter Katie Alston was runner up in the weekly print journalist of the year category. She is currently Shepherd Neame young journalist of the year.

Editor Leo Whitlock said: “This award is testament to the hard work, talent and team spirit of a group of journalists that give their all to their newspaper, our website and our kmfm radio station.

“It is fantastic when your efforts are recognised by a group of independent but distinguished judges.”

The Gravesend and Dartford Messenger’s Simon Tulett took home the weekly print journalist of the year prize.