Bondage gear is already dominating sales at Kent sex shops thanks to the release of Fifty Shades of Grey.

The film - based on the raunchy novel by EL James - stars Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan and is playing across Kent today.

And with Valentine's Day just around the corner, the kinky story line seems to have given some people ideas.

Sam Barber, manager of Ann Summers in Chatham, said: "I think when the book came out people became a bit more imaginative. We might see the same this time.

"I'm having to order more of everything in our sexcessories line. We're almost out of handcuffs, spankers, riding crops. Everything" - Sam Barber

"I'm having to order more of everything in our sexcessories line. We're almost out of handcuffs, spankers, riding crops. Everything.

Other shops are also expecting an increase in sales, based on the interest raised by the novel in 2011.

Pauline Busby, assistant manager of La Boudoir Boutique in Canterbury, said: "When the book came out everywhere sold out of that sort of stuff, and I mean everywhere. So after people have seen the film today I'm expecting we'll see it get busy over the next few days.

"We're quite well stocked at the moment so we haven't had to order anything extra in but we are expecting a lot more customers."

Not everyone is happy about the broadening tastes.

London Fire Brigade said today it is expecting increased call-outs to free handcuffed victims when sex games go awry.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is not as concerned as its London colleagues, but did warn people to be wary of open flames.

A spokesman said:"It's [people locked in handcuffs] not something we're really concerned about.

"But we would urge people to be careful this weekend with candles and cooking. Some activities can be distracting."

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