A weekly freesheet wants readers to send in positive stories about its patch as part of a new campaign.

Kent’s Thanet Extra has launched its We Love Thanet campaign in a bid to prove the area’s “doom and gloom merchants wrong”.

The KM Group-owned title now hopes to receive stories on the places and people on the Isle of Thanet that readers love.

The area is set to come under the national spotlight in May with UKIP leader Nigel Farage standing in the South Thanet constituency in the General Election.

The We Love Thanet campaign logo

Editor Leo Whitlock said: “Thanet sometimes gets a hard time but the national focus is coming our way, not least because of the looming general election and a certain candidate standing in Thanet South.

“It’s time to stand up for this area because if we don’t stick up for Thanet, no-one else will.

“That doesn’t mean we won’t cover the horrible stories that break but we certainly hope to bring a bit more balance.”

News editor Julia Collins added: “Since joining the Thanet Extra team nearly three years ago I’ve never ceased to be impressed by the diversity of stories, campaigns and celebrations to write about.

“And I’ve never before covered a news area where the residents are so passionate and proud about where they live.

“Thanet faces many challenges and changes and I’m sure there are many people across the Island committed to tackling them head on.

“I look forward to helping bring our readers up to date with the very latest developments, both online and in print.”