The Medway Messenger is out early this week and you can buy it today while you're out doing your last-minute Christmas shopping.

It's packed with news, sport, information and advice for the festive season.

We have the desperately sad story of a dad of two who is fighting for his life after picking up a viral infection. His family fear that a long wait at Medway A&E may have harmed his chances of survival.

We also speak to the family who had all their Christmas presents stolen while mum was in hospital having her second baby.

On a lighter note, you can find out about the university scientist who's been trying to find out which shop sells the tastiest mince pies.

And we meet three families who have extra special reasons to celebrate Christmas this year.

Your What's On guide is inside the paper with a look at days out in Kent on a budget to help get through the credit crunch.

Catch up with the latest on the Gills as they prepare for the usual busy festive football season with that sell-out FA Cup tie against Aston Villa on the horizon.

There are four pages of festive pictures from Medway schools - and you can also check out the slide show of Christmas pictures on this site.

The Medway Messenger will be out again on Monday with the news and sport from the weekend.