Kent's police authority spends more on glossy publications and newspapers than any other in the country.

That's according to figures out today by the Taxpayers' Alliance, who single out our county for criticism in the way it produces its Local Policing Summary.

Since 2006, all authorities are required to publish a summary, but whereas some put it for free on their website, Kent produces an award-winning glossy magazine, costing £68,000.

When added to its Policing Kent newspaper, which costs nearly £80,000 to produce, the figure of £147,973 is the highest of all 43 police authorities in England and Wales.

A Taxpayers' Alliance spokesman said: "It's important for the police to communicate with the general public, but it doesn't need to be at such expense.

"These summaries should be published on the web, to make savings that do not affect eh frontline.

"At the same time, police authorities should not produce any kind of vanity publications."

Ann Barnes, chair of Kent Police Authority said: "I make absolutely no apologies for our publications.

"The Police Authority has a duty, by law, to inform local people about what the police are doing, how they’re performing and future priorities.

"We believe the best and most cost-effective way to reach everyone is by posting 13 district-based magazines through letterboxes.

"Publishing information online does not reach all cross sections of the community.

"It’s important we reassure people, even in times of change, that good quality policing continues."

She said the Policing Kent publications won two awards last year from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

The authority has decided to stop producing the summer Policing Kent newspaper in light of the economic climate.

The figures have been released as Kent Police face axeing around 1,500 jobs over the next few years.