Our lead story in Maidstone and Malling this week is the inspiring tale of Sheila Norrington, from Barming, who is set to make her wish of spending Christmas with her family come true. Sheila was diagnosed with terminal cancer five years ago, and spent much of this year battling the NHS for the right to pay for a drug that she believed would extend her life.

Our Weald edition leads on the story of a 23-year-old who has just flown out to spend his first Christmas serving with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan. We interviewed his proud but worried family.

Also in this week's festive Kent Messenger:

We meet the Maidstone man who covers his home in flashing Christmas lights to raise money for the Kent Air Ambulance.

It's the last chance to donate to our You Can Help campaign to provide food and clothes to homeless people in Maidstone at Christmas. And we hear how a couple who have been living in their car have been found a home in time for the festive season.

Find out what happened when eight-year-old Joe Cawse, who has leukaemia, met Hollywood star Penelope Cruz as part of an appeal to find more bone marrow donors

And see pictures from dozens of festive events, including the annual carol service at All Saints' Church in Maidstone, and nativities at schools across the area.

Pick up your copy - now!