THE Kent Messenger is now officially the largest selling regional weekly newspaper in the country.

Audited figures for the second half of 2001, confirm the KM’s thumping average weekly sale of 57,841 - up 20.1 per cent (9,679 copies) on the same period in 2000. The figures crown a soaring five years for the KM in which sales rose by 36.6 per cent.

Overall sales of our weekly titles in July to December 2001 increased by 9.3 per cent compared with the same period in 2000. Sales have increased by 54.5 per cent since 1994.

David Lewis, the Kent Messenger Group's managing director, said: "We are delighted to have taken over the top sales spot in the country¹s regional weekly press. This is an outstanding tribute to the hard work of our staff and the loyalty of our readers and advertisers.

"This latest ABC success is part of a growing sales trend for the Kent Messenger. All the indications are that the results for the first half of 2002 will be even better."

Simon Irwin, associate director - editorial said: “KM sales were obviously boosted with the launch of the Medway Messenger, on September 7. But even before that, the KM Group’s overall circulation performance has consistently been the envy of rival publishers.

“This latest news reflects enormously on the team - from editorial and advertising staff, to newspaper sales and promotions. And it’s positive proof that our newspapers are delivering what their readers and advertisers want."