With Hollywood special effects worthy of Star Wars and Doctor Who, Gravesham council has entered the world of TV.

A video magazine called The Studio was launched this week, set in an imaginary penthouse atop the Civic Centre.

The set, a green-screened projection, shows views of the Thames and the Gurdwara.

The show already boasts conversations with the council’s director of finance and environment Nick Brown about recycling, former mayor Lyn Milner and Woodville manager Neil Chandler, on the theatre’s 45th anniversary, including the news that some film showings in the Paul Greengrass Cinema will mark the anniversary by reverting to 1970s prices for tickets.

The host of the show, council communications manager Graham Cole, said the broadcast equipment had been at the council for seven years and had been used to record events and promotional videos.

Gravesend entertainer Dan Snelgrove is also presenting.

Mr Cole said: “In financial terms it has long since been written off. We borrowed a second camera from Medway Council. We have paid a presenter a modest sum. Most of it is in-house.

“Additional equipment was bought for about £1,200 but saved the council £1,800 in the cost of webcasting one event alone and we now have equipment for future webcasts which effectively has already paid for itself.”

When Kent County Council launched its own TV channel, Kent TV, it cost £1.4 million.

The council says there have been 36,000 views on its free YouTube channel while its Facebook page has a reach of more than 8,000 people.

Mr Cole said: “Along with our magazine programme there will be more short video clips of news items and events, some live coverage – for instance next month’s Kwik Cricket final for schools and the Party on the Prom in July.

“Video increases our reach and hits on social media and our website.”