KentOnline's audience has grown by a huge 59% over the past year, figures released today reveal.

We welcomed an average of 1.937m unique monthly browsers between January and June this year, the official figures from the Audited Bureau of Circulation show.

That was the biggest year-on-year increase for any regional news network in the UK.

It was a period that saw some huge news stories, including the tragic disappearance of Pat Lamb - the most read article in KentOnline's history.

The other most-read stories included May's earthquake, the fire in Week Street, Maidstone and a 13-car crash in Southborough.

KM Group editorial director Ian Carter said: "It is very pleasing to see such huge audience growth once again. We're continuing to develop KentOnline, with new features and sections planned over the coming months.

"We are also improving and expanding our video content, with our KMTV bulletins now going out at 6.30 every evening."