A town council has taken the decision to cancel the appearance of live reindeer at its Christmas lights switch on following reports of abuse.

Visitors to this year's event in Sevenoaks on November 30 will have to make do without the animals.

The town council revealed they would follow in the footsteps of Leeds Castle by scrapping plans for reindeer to appear after footage emerged of workers kicking animals in enclosures.

A statement said: "In view of recent news reports of reindeer abuse, the town council has taken the decision to cancel the hire of live reindeer appearing at the Christmas lights switch-on Event on Friday, November 30."

Animal Aid said they collected the undercover footage of abuse at three farms in Kent, Staffordshire and Cheshire in 2017 and 2018.

The welfare charity claims they found poorly-looking reindeer with raw, exposed skin, diarrhoea and skeletal abnormalities.

Footage they claim was taken at Kent Reindeer Centre in Capralama Farm near Bethersden in May 2018 shows a worker apparently kicking a reindeer twice, as well as shouting abuse at the animals.

A Kent Reindeer Centre spokesman said: "I would like to say that all our animals are much loved and well cared for, as can be seen by our many visitors throughout the year.

"The person involved was one of several new part-time staff that we took on to help out. He was dismissed as unsuitable after a short period of time.

"These matters were discussed in full with the RSPCA and our vet back in the summer."