KOS Media, an independent and free Kent newspaper group, plans to start charging for certain copies of its paper, Kent on Sunday, Press Gazette reported.

The "part-paid part-free initiative"" will put a price on some of the 100,000 issues of Kent on Sunday that were once free for readers to take in newsstands and supermarkets.

Starting Saturday, KOS Media will print 150,000 copies of their papers, selling approximately 50,000 for 90p each.

Avid readers of the papers are encouraged to subscribe for paid home delivery to ensure they receive a copy.

Paul Stannard, KOS Media's managing director, commented on the high demand for the papers saying, "the copies used to run out very quickly. Newsagents have never stopped knocking on our doors saying: 'We think you should sell this paper'."

Stannard explained that the group's aim is to cover costs of the free editions by charging for some editions. The number of free copies distributed is intended to remain the same.

In 2004, Kent on Sunday was the first free paper to win newspaper of the year at the Regional Press Awards.