Lingerie shop Ann Summers has confirmed it has no plans to open a store opposite a church in Deal.

A rumour circulating the town suggested the multinational company which specialises in sex toys was to move into the former Hawkins Menswear store situated opposite St George’s Church in Deal High Street.

A makeshift poster which appeared in the window this week added to the talk.

KentOnline contacted Ann Summers who said: “After looking further in to this for you I can confirm there are no current plans for a store to open in Deal High Street.

“Sorry for the inconvenience caused.”

Hawkins Menswear owner Myles Young, who rented the property, has since revealed the stunt was his “goodbye joke”.

He said: “I’m retiring after six years here.

“You wouldn’t believe the amount of reaction I’ve had. Even people at my golf course. A lot of people seemed to think it was coming.”

He left the store on Saturday, March 31.

Ann Summers has more than 140 high street stores in the UK, Ireland, and the Channel Islands.