This week every reader can claim a free lemon tree for their garden (just pay postage and packaging) and we've got a year's membership to a women's gym up for grabs.

Our lead story is the ambitious plan to redesign Maidstone, which will finally make a feature of the river and turn the High Street into a lively area with pavement cafes and entertainment.

We look at Ann Widdecombe's chances of sorting out the MPs expenses crisis in Parliament by stepping in as Speaker - a move 76 per cent of you backed in our online poll - and profile some of the extremist candidates hoping to cash in on Britain's political crisis in the June 4 elections.

We have pictures of Maidstone's Race for Life and Wateringbury Scouts' 100th anniversary parade, and details of the return by popular demand of the Kent Messenger's 150th anniversary picture exhibition.

All this, and the best in local news, views, sport, offers and competitions.

Don't miss your Kent Messenger, out on Friday.