Rats, mice and cockroaches were some of the unwelcome guests found at hospital wards in mid and west Kent over the past two years.

But the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust says its hospitals are clean and the figures show it is not the worst hospital trust for the number of pest incidents.

Between January 2006 and April 2008 the trust dealt with 148 pest incidents, which included rats and mice, plus ants, biting insects, fleas and wasps.

The worst trust was Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, which saw 1,070 incidents.

Neighbouring East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust witnessed 416 incidents in the two years.

The figures were released by the Conservative Party, who asked for the information under the Freedom of Information Act.

A spokesman for the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust said many of the incidents took place at Pembury Hospital, a Victorian hospital near woodland. Many of its buildings have now been demolished.

"We have had no more incidences than any other hospital in the country and they have been dealt with quickly," the spokesman added.

"Our hospitals are as safe and clean as any other in the country."