A Rochester pub has become the Medway's first to be allowed sexual entertainment under strict new licensing laws.

A panel of councillors granted permission for pole, table, lap, strip and exotic dancing in the basement of Charlotte's Bar, Rochester High Street, after a two-hour hearing.

Licensee Luke Tumana has run the shows for six years, but had to apply for special permission under new rules which take effect next April.

Objectors included the Historic Rochester residents' association, Rochester and Strood MP Mark Reckless and the acting dean of Rochester Cathedral, Philip Hesketh.

Neighbour Melanie Comber told the panel: "I am an art lecturer teaching life drawing, so I have no more objection to what you are doing than to what I do, but Rochester High Street is like the Wild West.

"You need to try and attract better people to Rochester. We have an overwhelming number of establishments which are attracting very young visitors with cheap drinks deals."

Mr Tumana, 41, said after the decision: "We're very pleased. We would never want to cause any offence and we would like to work with the residents on any problems."