A family lost virtually all their possessions this week when fire swept through their home at Whitfield. Fire-fighters tackled the blaze for two hours and prevented it from spreading to neighbouring properties.

The Big Screen in Dover's Market Square is likely to be put up for sale. District councillors are being recommended to get rid of the screen after the maintenance costs became prohibitive.

Staff at Buckland Hospital face increases in their parking permits next year. The hospital trust is introducing a sliding scale of charges, with those who receive the largest salaries being told to pay more.

A cat burglar who raided a number of homes at Temple Ewell and River has been jailed for more than three years after admitting 10 burglary and two fraud charges.

An Italian market proved popular in the town centre at the weekend. The initiative was organised by the Dover Town Team who are trying to attract more businesses and visitors to Dover. We have a two-page picture spread.

Two women and a man have completed successful two-way swims of the English Channel. Full details of all the latest swims, plus many more stories and photos are in this week's Dover Mercury, out today.