A LOCAL history magazine has been saved by readers, at least until the end of the year.

Bygone Kent, which has been published since 1980, had been threatened with closure after the financial collapse of its parent company in Rainham.

But editor Nick Evans, a freelance journalist and author in Whitstable, launched a rescue bid with an emergency issue to raise cash to keep it going.

More than 550 subscribers received the free issue, while copies were sold in bookshops and newsagents countywide.

Readers were invited to send £20 each to renew their subscription, which had been lost with the parent company collapse.

Mr Evans said: "It’s fantastic and shows just how much the magazine means to its readers."

The July/August issue will be on sale for £2.99 from bookshops and newsagents or by mail order for £3.50, including postage, via Bygone Publishing at PO Box 201, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1WT.

Readers can email Nick Evans at bygonekent@btinternet.com.