A WARNING has been issued to people who have been using drugs in a churchyard in a Kent city after needles were found stuck in trees.

As well as the syringes, police say other evidence of drug-taking has been discovered at St Gregory's in North Holmes Road, Canterbury.

The church and nearby land is also used by Canterbury Christ Church University and it has joined forces with Kent Police and Canterbury city council in an effort to crackdown on drug abusers using the churchyard.

Alan Connelly, the university's head porter, said: "The university has dedicated a significant amount of time and funding on improving the security at St Gregory's. This has included installation of CCTV cameras and reinforced railings."

Lisa Williams, a police community support officer who is part-funded by the university, said: "The churchyard has religious significance as well as being a community space and we want it to be enjoyed by all."