A FORMER employee of the Kent Messenger Group who claimed she was unfairly dismissed has lost her case at an employment tribunal.

Amanda Fisher, who worked for the media group as a writer and sub-editor at its headquarters in Larkfield, claimed she was dismissed as a result of "whistleblowing" because she had raised concerns about professional training and health and safety.

She also claimed her wages had been unfairly deducted.

The Kent Messenger Group contested Ms Fisher’s allegations, saying it appointed an external investigator to look into her complaints in October 2003.

Ms Fisher, who lives in Selling, near Faversham, joined the Kent Messenger Group in August 2000 as a trainee sub-editor and subsequently joined the group features department, writing for many of the company’s titles.

She alleged that she was the victim of a "prolonged campaign of bullying and harassment". She once received a dead mouse in the post.

The Ashford tribunal on Tuesday announced it was dismissing all Ms Fisher’s allegations.

The full reasons behind the ruling are expected to be released at the start of September.

Editorial director Simon Irwin said: "I am disappointed that this case was ever brought to tribunal but am delighted that the Kent Messenger Group has been vindicated."