The latest edition of the Medway Messenger is in the shops now with all the latest news, pictures and sport.

Our stories include an exclusive interview with the mum of a toddler who cheated death when he fell into a garden pond, a burglar with a conscience who owned-up to dozens of raids to get them "off his chest" and a thug who escaped jail despite breaking a man's cheekbone with a plaster cast on his arm.

Meet the couple who are launching a charity drive in memory of their baby boy who died earlier this year and a recovering cancer patient who was made to feel like a hypochondriac by a GP who failed to spot her tumour.

Readers have the chance to tread the boards with EastEnders acress Emma Barton and cbeebies presenter Phil Gallagher as the producers of Medway's panto launch their search for a star.

We have a special report on a book that has brought the River Medway alive with tales of its characters traditions and the craft which sail on it.

And the Dean of Rochester says 'never again' after completing his 1,000-mile bike ride from Lands End to John O'Groats

There's a full page of your letters and in The Codgers' Club, Peter Cook argues that a modern form of robbing the rich to pay the poor would be one way of solving the nation's financial problems.

Win the chance to push the button that will demolish a 375ft chimney at Halling's Cemex cement works in aid of The Friends of the Wisdom Hospice.

And we have a competition prize of a unique trip on the River Medway, while What's On brings readers a free Toy Story 3 colouring set and family holidays at Pontin's from just £15.

Sport has a message to Gills players from manager Andy Hessenthaler to stay relaxed ahead of their weekend match against Lincoln and Mark Bentley's exclusive new column.

All this and lots more in the Medway Messenger - pop out and pick up a copy today.