A weekly newspaper group has published figures showing it provided support to the community to the tune of £2.6m during 2008.

The KM Group says it has supported a myriad of fundraising activities “from adrenalin-fuelled abseil and zip wire events to a series of brain-teasing quiz nights.”

Among those to benefit from the group’s fundraising were the Pilgrims Hospice, Kent Air Ambulance, the Heart of Kent hospice and children’s road safety charity Kent Walking Bus.

The group also says that, across its publications in 2008, newspaper space was given over to promote charity events which raised a total of £2.19m.

“It is not just cash directly made from events that has helped our charities,” said a spokesman.

“They have told us that, by linking up with the KM Group, they have enjoyed growth from the publicity generated by extensive press coverage, which has encouraged donations.”

Simon Dolby, manager of the KM charity team, said: “The £2.6m figure is phenomenal and represents a huge effort from KM Group readers, our staff and the KM Group as a whole.

“The sums being raised are truly life-changing. The KM Group is proud to be the catalyst of this community action.”