麻豆约拍

Kent's newest, state-of-the-art hospital has been given a week to improve care in its A&E department or face the unit being closed down.

On an unannounced visit to the Tunbridge Wells Hospital last month, inspectors from the Care Quality Commission found patients waiting too long for treatment, and a lack of staff.

The hospital trust says it has taken action to improve the situation.

The number of children claiming free school meals in Kent has risen by 17% in two years. 28,000 pupils now take them, that is one-in-eight. Experts put the rise down to the economic downturn and efforts made to remove the stigma attached to taking the free meals.

The UK economy may be in a slump, but there is one industry that is growing in Kent - fraud. According to Kent Police, reports of the crime went up 10% last year. That is an extra 400 crimes.

Ninety-one-year-old Joan from Maidstone lost her life savings to a fraudster posing as a police officer. He conned her into handing over her debit card.