A reporter who self-financed a trip to the other side of the world to cover a story may be receiving something back for his troubles.

We reported last week how the KM Group’s business development editor Chris Denham had shelled out around £2,000 and taken annual leave to join Joanna Lumley’s party in Nepal.

The actress had travelled to the south-east Asia as part of her high-profile campaign to improve the rights of Gurkha soldiers living in the UK and Chris felt the invitation to join her was too good to refuse.

Now the KM Group has said in a press statement that “the actions of this dedicated journalist have not been overlooked” and a “pleasant surprise” awaits him on his return to work today.

KM Group managing editor Ron Green said: “Chris has done a tremendous job and when he gets back I’ll be talking to him about some recompense for his hard work.

“In these difficult times we may not be able to meet the cost but we can, at least, give him time off in lieu of his much-appreciated efforts.”

Our original story sparked a host of comments with some posters feeling it was just a sign of the times while others questioned why he had made the trip at all.

Chris has been following the campaign closely as the Gurkhas are based in Folkestone, where he used to chief reporter for the company’s Kentish Express title in the town.

His reports from Nepal are on the front pages of the latest Folkestone edition of the Kentish Express and the Folkestone and Hythe Extra.

Comments

Golam Murtaza (03/08/2009 10:24:41)
I’m glad to hear that he should be getting something in return for his work. Quite right.

Northcliffe reporter (03/08/2009 13:00:15)
I’m not sure time off in lieu will appease the bank manager.

Eleanor Jones (04/08/2009 09:24:53)
Sarah Shaffi, from the Folkestone Herald, also financed her trip to Nepal and took the time as a week’s holiday. She contributed copy to our website, www.thisiskent.co.uk/folkestone, every day she was there and was back at work at 9am on Monday to write features for this week’s paper! I don’t think she’ll be getting any time off in lieu…!