• January

Medway Council angered eco-campaigners after giving its backing to plans for a new Kingsnorth power station in Hoo, a decision that would prompt Climate Camp organisers to select Hoo as the focus of its week long summer protest.

A homeless man, 21-year-old Ricky Knight, was jailed for stealing equipment from a Gillingham ambulance depot to satisfy his medical fixation.

Police were involved in an eight hour stand-off with a man who climbed onto a rooftop in Gillingham and hurled tiles at cars.

Tension sparked between Kent Police and asylum seekers at a five-a-side football tournament intended to foster community relations.

An entire team was sent off after one of their players refused to stop arguing with the referee.

And it was revealed that the Medway postcode is the luckiest in the country for the national lottery.

• February

The mum began with a surprise for teenage mum who gave birth to a healthy baby girl on her bathroom floor.

Becky Elliot’s mum Sharon delivered little Lilley-May at the family home in Strood.

Tragedy struck this month when a 12-year-old pupil from The Howard School, Rainham fell 30ft to his death during a school skiing trip.

Hayden Waller of Wigmore, died after bravely trying to save a friend from falling into a crevasse.

Another story which hit the headlines was the impressive recovery of former Gills player, Tony Eeles.

After being struck down by the rare disease, dermatomyositis, last year, Tony, 37, came close to death. but said he was now in remission.

• March

This month saw a dispute over plans to erect a statue of Charles Dickens in Rochester despite a clause in his will forbidding any memorials.

Unsung heroes were celebrated at the Pride in Medway Awards held at the Universities at Medway campus. The overall winner was Ben Mills who pulled a man from a burning building as he was returning from work.

Yob culture hit the headlines this month when a report revealed binge drinking among young people was found to be a bigger problem in Medway than drug abuse.

Following a review, leading councillors blamed drink for anti-social behaviour, increased pregnancies, loitering and high death rates.

March saw the resignation of Tory councillor, John Ward, after his “sterilise benefit spongers” outburst.

Mr Ward, who represented the Rochester South and Horsted ward, stepped down after a huge outcry over his comments.