A Kent theatre and cinema complex will close on Monday due to "serious and unsustainable financial difficulties", it has been revealed.

Kino Holdings Ltd is also blaming poor recent trading figures and lower than expected attendance over the last six months for its decision to shut the Stag, formerly known as the Sevenoaks Playhouse.

Sevenoaks District Council, which owns the building, says it is surprised and disappointed by the news.

A spokesman for the council said: "The chairman of Kino Holdings Ltd attended the council's Social Affairs Select Committee as recently as May 27 and gave positive assurances regarding the future of the Stag."

Cllr Elaine Bracken, the council's cabinet member with responsibility for the arts, said: "We are disappointed by the news of this closure and the speed at which it has happened."

Kino has promised to honour the Sevenoaks Summer Festival programme bookings.