The Franciscan International Study Centre in Canterbury has been put up for sale for £3.5 million after its principal admitted it no longer had any students.

The three-acre site in Giles Lane was built in the 1970s and later extended and at its peak had around 60 people studying from all over the world.

But principal Father Thomas Reist said falling enrolment in recent years had forced the trustees to decide to sell up.

A support staff of around six are expected to lose their jobs when it closes at the end of June.

Father Thomas said: "People came here to learn about the Franciscan way of life which is a deep appreciation for the beauty of creation and a simple lifestyle focused on God.

"They took that back to their own countries and have open schools there. That has meant that over the years, the numbers travelling from abroad to us has continued to fall."

The site which, is not part of the University of Kent campus, is a complex of two-storey buildings including the study centre and five residential accommodation blocks with 43 beds.

The main building comprises a two storey library, offices, common room, kitchen and refectory, chapel and various private rooms

There are also gardens, parking for 26 cars and six single storey garages and outbuildings.

Father Thomas added: "The decision to sell has not been taken lightly but with a heavy heart because the centre has enjoyed a vibrant life."

The freehold of the site is being sold through the BTF Partnership in Watling Street, Canterbury.