A pub has amused its social media followers by publishing an advert for punters.

In a teasing Facebook post The Saracen's Head in Deal claims to have seen a decline in customers because the Dry January phase has swept over its usual clientele.

Landlord David Little posted that the Alfred Square bar seeks a small number of regular solvent and definitely non-boring customers.

The post from this morning reads: "Due to a recent culling and the end of Dry January, The Saracen's Head is looking to recruit a small number of regular customers.

"Although experience isn't essential, it would help if you are reasonably solvent and enjoy drinking and eating in a convivial environment.

"Age, gender and background are irrelevant, but if you happen to be a crushing bore we'd prefer if you stayed indoors.

"Hours are flexible, mainly evenings and weekends, approx 5-10 each week.

"Please apply in person, you'll find us in Alfred Square :-)"

The Shepherd Neame pub was in 2016 the subject of a community drive for local residents to buy it.

Following its closure, Dave Cousins of The Strawbs fame was among members of the Friends of North Deal who pushed for it to be reclassified an Asset of Community Value (ACV). Others such as group chairman Alasdair Goulden and Robin Green feared it would be sold and turned into housing, so they wanted first say in purchasing it to keep it in use as a local pub. That March they learned their ACV application was successful, a few days after owners Shepherd Neame reopened it with landlady Emeline Burton at the helm.

Mr Little took over in October 2017.

He said: "January is always the quietest month, but yes, I'm just teasing my regulars!"