IN A move to enhance the delivery and quality of its newspapers The Kent Messenger Group has invested £750,000 in new packaging machinery at its Larkfield printing press.

The installation of the Ferag/CMC Polybagging machine (pictured) puts The Kent Messenger Group ahead of its competitors as the first regional publisher in the country to polybag its newspapers.

From February the Group will be polybagging its weekly multi-section, paid-for titles.

Duncan Gray, operations director, said: "While many nationals already do this, we are the first regional newspaper group to polybag its editions. This allows us to develop the use of promotional material, such as the inclusion of CDs, books, leaflets etc."

Editorial director Simon Irwin said: "Polybagging should reduce waste through damage by protecting the physical integrity and the appearance of the newspapers.

"And readers will know that when they buy the paper, all the supplements will be there. Polybagging is part of an ongoing series of improvements to our newspapers."