The Newspaper Society is aiming to maximise potential new advertising opportunities for the local press arising from the 2012 Olympics.

It has embarked on a series of meetings with major commercial partners of the London Games in a bid to highlight the local media’s strengths.

Meetings have so far taken place with marketing and communications specialists at Coca Cola, Adidas, BT and Lloyds TSB, with Visa, McDonalds and BP also scheduled.

“The sessions have provided an update on local media and its specific strengths in connecting sports-related messaging with UK communities both in and outside London,” said the NS.

The Dartford Messenger website recorded its highest-ever visitor figures last month thanks to stories about a hospital fire and a senior appointment at a local football club.

Figures for July showed a 79pc increase in page impressions over the previous month and a 131pc rise in unique users.

The most-viewed story was a report of a fire breaking out in the bedroom of a secure hospital, followed by a story about local side Charlton Athletic appointing Tim Breaker as assistant manager.

A regional newspaper group is celebrating the second anniversary of an initiative designed to support good causes on its patch.

The KM Treasure Chest, organised by the KM Group in partnership with a number of prominent tourist attractions and local businesses, has helped good causes to raise £125,000 by donating quality raffle prizes to support events across Kent.

Prizes on offer have included family tickets to Leeds Castle, The Hop Farm, The Historic Dockyard in Chatham, and a five-day P&O Ferries crossing voucher.

KM Charity Team manager Simon Dolby said: “This is a fantastic milestone for KM Treasure Chest and its success would not have been possible without the support of Kent’s top attractions. We are so grateful to them for their backing.”

The latest edition of McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists is now on sale.

Now in its 20th edition, the book has been updated to include issues arising from convergence and website publication, such as privacy and libel.

The National Council for the Training of Journalists is offering special prices for bulk purchases of the book.

Contact Shevon Houston for more information on email [email protected] or call 01799 544945.

The Hinckley Times has welcomed two new members of staff on board this month.

Owen Strudwick has joined the Trinity Mirror-owned weekly as a photographer, while Ben Eccleston is the latest addition to the reporting team.