Gravesend has been revealed as a hotbed for love rats, according to a website which helps married people have secret affairs.

More than 500 people from the town are said to have signed up to the controversial website which describes itself as "a discreet and confidential extra-marital dating service for women and men".

It boasts more than 550,000 members nationwide and gives would-be cheats advice on how to avoid getting caught, with tips including: "Strip off your lover as soon as you meet (provided this is the plan!) so no smells or marks are left on their clothes."

The site even carries a startling warning: "Not all affairs have a positive effect on a marriage, some can be very damaging."

One Kent adulteress, who joined the Illicit Encounters website six months ago, said: "I would be completely mortified if my husband found out about this.

"I realise it is a very wrong thing to be doing and it is very selfish. I have no intension of breaking up my home life."

Local church leaders have condemned the site.

For the full story see this week's Gravesend Messenger, out now.