CUT BILLS: British Gas has teamed up with Dartford Council to save residents up to £50 off council tax and £270 off their annual heating bills. The scheme encourages homeowners to install cavity wall or loft insulation to claim the discounts. Call 0845 861 773, quoting the reference dart.

APPEALING: Between April 1 last year and March 31 this year Sevenoaks District Council won more planning appeals than any other Kent authority. It won 80 appeals - 75 per cent of the total made. This compares with the Kent average of 70 per cent and the national average of 67 per cent.

VIOLENT CRIME: Figures from Gravesham Council show during the past 12 months only 99 reports were made to police about stolen cars in comparison to 203 the previous year. However, during the same period violent crime went up from 175 reported cases to 217.

CHEERS: Gravesham mayor Harry Smith and mayoress Iris Smith will hosting a wine-tasting evening with light refreshments at the Little Hermitage, Gravesend Road, Higham, on September 22. Call 01474 564422 to book.

EVENT ARRANGED: Nadira Burki will demonstrate her skills to the Gravesend Floral Arrangement Society, at 7.30pm on September 13, at Christ Church Hall, Echo Square, Gravesend. Call 01474 566918.