The Kent Messenger will mark 150 years of bringing you the news next year and we want you to be part of the celebrations.

The paper has been serving the community and the county ever since its first edition rolled off the presses on January 1, 1859 – four pages of it and for one penny.

We have exciting plans to mark the milestone, and one is to launch a reader appeal which would have a tangible benefit to the wider community. It might help buy a piece of hospital equipment, a vehicle to help transport the needy or infirm, play equipment for kids, or help a community project.

Let us know what you think would bring a ray of sunshine into people lives. In the past, we have helped raised thousands of pounds for good causes, so there could be a big pot of cash on offer for the right idea.

We will consider every idea – big or small – but there is bound to be a lot of competition, so make sure you make a powerful and enthusiastic argument for your suggestion.

• Write to KM 150 Appeal, 6&7 Middle Row, Maidstone, ME14 ITG or email messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk

Deadline for entries is November 28.