A shopping centre says it has received so many complaints about school children not wearing masks or socially distancing it has no other choice than to take action and start contacting schools directly.

The Mall Maidstone says some pupils not following the rules have been turned away by security teams and asked to take an alternative route.

Capital and Regional, the company which owns the town centre mall said teams have worked so hard to introduce new measures, it is willing to do whatever it takes to keep shoppers safe.

A spokesperson said: "We have advised our security teams to remind school children aged 11 and above to be mindful of government guidelines while visiting the centre following a number of complaints from guests about groups of school children shopping without face-coverings.

"Our number one priority is ensuring the safety of our guests and staff, and our teams are taking note of any schools to be contacted for non-compliance with the government guidelines by their pupils.

"With large school groups of different ages entering the Mall, some without masks, it is possible some have been asked to take an alternative route."

Since June one way systems have been in place along with sanitising stations and floor markings to encourage a two metre distance.

All shoppers and staff members are required to wear a face covering unless exempt.

Even its chip coins used in the car park are disinfected after each use, the centre says.

Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch praised the extra measures during a recent visit to the Pad's Hill centre.

The former sports minister, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and in the vulnerable group, said she visits the site regularly and is 'impressed' with the changes.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone