Morris dancers have pledged to "drink the place dry" just weeks before their local pub calls last orders.

The Good Intent in Rochester – a popular haunt with folk music fans – is to close at the end of the month, despite a campaign to save it.

But before the final pint is pulled, traditional Morris sides from all over Kent will be converging for a right old merry knees-up.

It is being organised by the award-winning Medway-based Bishop Gundulf's Morris, from noon on Sunday at the hostelry in John Street.

The Wolf's Head and Vixen side has been practising there for more than 16 years and has been forced to re-locate to the Sans Pareil pub in Strood because of the imminent closure on January 31.

Long-term member Mel Barnett said: "It's very sad, the end of an era. We have found somewhere else which is great, but nothing will be the same as the GI."

The mum-of-three, who lives in Strood, added: "I have danced there for 15 years and have many fond memories. We plan to go out with a bang and drink the place dry."

The get-together coincides with an ancient pagan ceremony of The Blessing of the Plough which marks the start of the agricultural season.

Among those taking part are Loose Women, Kent Korkers, St Clement Clogs, Liberty and the Widdershin Witches.

The pub is due to be demolished to make way for eight three-bedroom homes on the site which is in the middle of a housing estate and parade of shops.

Over the years, The Good Intent had built up a reputation as a respected folk and acoustic music venue with live acts coming from all over the county.

It became an integral part of the community with a bridge club, open mic, fancy dress themed parties, poetry and book readings

More than 150 letters of objection were sent to Medway Council, but the go-ahead was given the go-ahead by councillors at a planning committee.

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