A dance centre is being forced to shut down after seeing its rent sky-rocket.

Rochester Dance Junction owner Sam Ashdown announced the closure of the venue, in Maidstone Road, Rochester, today.

"It is with great sadness that we have to announce the closing of Rochester Dance Junction," she said.

"Unfortunately this is not a decision that has been made by ourselves and has been taken out of our hands."

Sam, who has run the dance centre with her husband Marc for the past 14 years, said the decision came after their rent was increased by 86%.

"We know that we can no longer personally guarantee to move forward and continue to run the business.

"We are devastated by this as are our staff, instructors and businesses based here with us.

"Telling everyone has been one of the hardest things we have ever had to do, we have been overwhelmed by the response and support we have been shown by everyone so far and we are so thankful to them all."

The centre has provided entertainment for hundreds of residents ranging in age from babies as young as six months who go to baby ballet classes with their parents to people in their 80s who attend for regular tea dances.

It will continue to be open until the end of April.