Young performers are being denied the chance to perform with a Herne Bay amateur dramatics group because of strict child protection rules.

Theatrecraft has raised the age of its membership to 16 after deciding the regulations were too onerous and impractical.

Another group in the town, Playmakers is also reviewing whether it will be able to use younger performers in its pantomime this Christmas.

They have fallen foul of the Children (Performance) Regulations 1968 which the Kent County Council's education department is rigorously enforcing.

Theatrecraft secretary Chris Railton said: "I attended a meeting at the education office where every point we would need to cover was laid out.

"I had to fill in forms to agree that every child would be entered on a performance log, have a licensed and trained chaperone, not get changed in the same room as someone over 18 and be escorted to the toilet and stage.

"It just got worse and worse and with so little space backstage would be impossible for us to comply with.

"It has caused quite a hue and cry at a national level and led to discussions with Government. But it is very frustrating and disappointing because we do not want to have to turn away youngsters who are keen to perform.

Kent County Council published the Children in Entertainment regulations on its website.

Spokesman Ian Tucker said: "Child employment officers are responsible for issuing performance and chaperone licences. The licences make sure that all children who take part in performances are looked after properly and that there is minimal impact to their education."

See the Herne Bay Gazette for the full story