KentOnline is already the county's premier news service - and now there's another way to read our stories on the move.

Readers can sign up to our free new WhatsApp service, bringing the top stories of the day direct to your mobile phone.

Subscribers to our alerts on the popular messaging service will keep ahead of the pack on Kent's best news.

Scroll down for details of how to sign up in seconds

We will send a lunchtime bulletin of our top stories - along with major breaking news alerts so you are always up to date.

All you have to do is download WhatsApp on your smartphone, add our number to your contacts and send us a text to subscribe.

It works across all smartphone platforms, including iPhone, Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry.

KentOnline editor Sandra Hembery said: "KentOnline readers can already get our stories on their PCs, tablets and mobile phones with our easy-to-read site.

"Now we're going to be delivering the news directly to our readers.

"People across Kent are increasingly reading their news on the go, so this is a great new service to ensure they are always kept up to date."

KentOnline will use the broadcast function of WhatsApp so readers' phone numbers will be kept secret from others.

Readers will also be able to use WhatsApp to send us their news and pictures.

How to join the free KentOnline WhatsApp service in just a few seconds:

1. Download WhatsApp to your smartphone and ensure notifications are switched on

2. Save our WhatsApp number 07808 632824 in your contacts as KentOnline WhatsApp

3. Text your full name to 07808 632824

4. Once we've added you to our broadcast list, you will start receiving our messages