KEEPING SAFE: Gravesham Council's G-Safe scheme was presented with the Safer Socialising award by the assistant chief constable of Kent Police, Allyn Thomas, on May 22. The Home Office award recognises businesses, pubs, bars and restaurants who, with the council, have worked to build a safer town centre.

WATER USE: Southern Water is putting off further restrictions on essential water use. The company, which covers customers in Gravesend, will not implement a drought order granted on May 25 by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to ban non-essential use of water in the county.

NEW CHAIRMAN: Councillor Frederick Wood-Brignall was elected the new chairman of Kent County Council on May 25. Councillor Leyland Ridings takes over from Cllr Wood-Brignall as the county council's vice-chairman.

LITTER PICK: Residents are asked to help Dartford Council's Deep Clean programme at a community litter pick on Dartford Heath on June 11. It will start at Denton Road car park, off Bexley Lane, at 10am. Call 01322 343353.

BIG BROTHER: News Shopper is looking for readers who have opened one of 100 Kit Kat wrappers which could hold the key to starring in Channel 4 show Big Brother. Call the newsdesk on 01689 885716.