Today, News Shopper launches its new north Kent editions putting 20,000 more copies through people's doors. But what about the youngsters who deliver our award- winning publication? ELISA BRAY speaks to a papergirl and boy who just love their jobs ...

WHAT can you do if you are 13, need some extra pocket money, but don't want to spend a whole night babysitting, walking dogs or washing cars?

The Children and Young Persons' Act says you have to be aged 13 or above to work part-time.

If you are under 16, by law you cannot work in a factory, building site, or pubs. The law says young people cannot work in a place or job which is harmful to their health, well-being or education.

So why not get yourself a paper round?

Stacey Brewood started delivering News Shopper when she turned 13 and has never looked back.

The 15-year-old pupil at Swan Valley School enjoys doing her bit for the community, delivering the papers to homes in Swanscombe and Greenhithe, while earning her own money.

It only takes about half an hour a week and she earns £10.

This September Stacey will have to give up the paper round when she starts her course in hair and beauty at North West Kent College in Dartford.

She said: "It's good getting the money and my mate helps sometimes. I will miss doing the paper round."

Her younger brother Danny, 14, also does a paper round to earn money to fund his hobby of off-road biking and has just started racing his Suzuki RM 125.

He said: "The paper round earns me money to pay for maintenance work on my bike. It pays towards my clothes, petrol, helmet and boots. Doing a News Shopper paper round really helps with my biking hobby."

Their mother Debbie Brewood said: "They like having their independence. They are old enough to do a paper round but not old enough to do anything else and they enjoy it."

Debbie is so keen to recommend doing a paper round to young people she has even talked neighbours into starting.

She said: "I quite often talk people into doing a paper round. I got a couple of children living a few closes away doing it. It is good exercise for them, they are out in the fresh air and they manage to earn money to get their own independence. There are no problems with any of them, they are as regular as clockwork."

  • Would you like to do a paper round? Call distribution on 020 8329 9373 to sign up.