Whitstable's jobcentre has been saved from closure.

Campaigners are celebrating after the Department for Work and Pensions announced it is one of 25 which will remain open.

It had been earmarked for closure after being judged surplus to requirements.

The Government says it is needed to cope with rising levels of unemployment created by the recession.

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Arthur Good, from the Whitstable branch of campaign group Left Alternative, said: "We are extremely pleased to have kept the jobcentre open.

"It was a vital facility for a town of Whitstable’s size even before the recession started to kick in."