Managers at a popular music venue have reassured fans they are not closing after fears for its future.

The building which is home to The Harp Restrung in Folkestone town centre is up for sale at auction later this month.

Reports about the building's sale sparked worry the sale of the building meant the bar on Grace Hill would be closing its doors.

But managers today reaffirmed they will remain open and are working on securing a new lease which expires next year.

Chris Morton, who runs the venue with Mel Ellse, said: "We would like to thank you all for your words of support, concern and encouragement, it means so much to us.

"The Harp Restrung as a business entity, all of its possessions, its ethos and everything it stands for is categorically not for sale."

"We want to be absolutely clear that it is the building that is for sale, but not The Harp inside." Chris Morton, The Harp Restrung

For sale boards placed on the outside of the building over the gig promotion blackboards prompting regulars to raise their concerns.

"We want to be absolutely clear that it is the building that is for sale, but not The Harp inside.

"Our current lease expires in June 2018 and we are exploring all avenues to ensure we can remain in our current location."

The venue hosts several live music gigs with many local bands regularly taking to the stage.

Mr Morton hit out at the sale tactics being used by auctioneers Clive Emson "to garner interest in the property".

Listings on the auctioneers website shows the building is currently leased until June 3, 2018.

The building also comprises three flats, which are currently vacant, and has a guide price of £160,000-£170,000 for the auction on October 31.