A Maidstone news and picture agency has closed.

The agency, operating as both Kent News and Pictures and Images International, provided stories and pictures for national and some local newspapers, along with magazines.

Its closure means the loss of 10 jobs, including reporters and photographers.

KNP was started by former Evening Standard journalist Chris Eades in 1993, and hit the headlines when it became the first UK agency to send staff to report in Iraq.

A statement from founder Chris Eades said it was no longer viable to continue as an agency on the rates paid by newspapers.

He added: “So, at the end of the day today I will switch off the lights, shut down the grabbers, lock the door and call it a day.”

Nobody from KNP was available for comment when contacted by KM Group.