The Kentish Gazette scooped the world’s press, winning an exclusive interview with Hollywood film star Orlando Bloom, thanks to good old-fashioned contacts.

While the paparazzi were busily pursuing the Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean star following pictures of him with actress Sienna Miller, he was keeping a low profile in his home city of Canterbury.

And it was Gerry Warren, the chief reporter of his local paper, the Kentish Gazette, who secured an exclusive interview and picture of him relaxing with his parents.

Chief reporter Gerry with Orlando

Gerry spoke to Orlando after first approaching his mother, Sonia Copeland, with whom the Gazette has a good relationship.

Orlando then contacted the newsroom himself and was happy to chat about his short break back in the city where he was brought up and educated.

Gerry said: “He was charming and down to earth, although clearly not prepared to talk about his private life.

“When I suggested a picture of him with his parents, he at first declined then called back to agree.”

Orlando with his mum Sonia and dad Colin Stone