A luxury hotel will not be featuring live reindeer "at any future events" following reports of animal abuse at a nearby centre.

Eastwell Manor in Ashford - owned by Champneys Luxury Health Spa Resorts - was scheduled to feature Santa's four-legged friends alongside the launch of its ice skating rink.

However, footage published by animal rights group Animal Aid appeared to show reindeer being kicked on two occasions and animals with raw, exposed skin at the Kent Reindeer Centre in Capralama Farm, Bethersden.

The resulting public backlash has seen the festive favourites removed from the schedules of popular events such as the Sevenoaks Christmas Lights Switch-on and the Leeds Castle Christmas Market.

Eastwell Manor in Boughton Aluph is now following suit, with a spokeswoman for Champneys saying: "We're not using any live reindeer in any events this year or in the future."

An advert for the ice skating rink launch, on Friday, November 23, has had any references to reindeer removed.

Animal Aid's covert camerawork identified alleged abuse in three farms in Kent, Staffordshire and Cheshire in 2017 and 2018.

Tor Bailey, campaign manager at Animal Aid, said: "Our investigations have revealed the shocking suffering of these gentle animals.

Video: KMTV report on the Kent Reindeer Centre footage

"Reindeer are sensitive wild animals, not props to be paraded around and used for human entertainment.

"I would urge the general public not to support events which feature live captive animals and find other more animal-friendly ways to enjoy the festive period."

The animal rights charity claims that the animals arrive ill-adapted to the British climate and susceptible to native pathogens and diseases. Reindeer are also stressed by cramped and noisy conditions.

The footage and photos come after government figures show that between 2014 to 2017, 571 reindeer were imported from Sweden, Finland and Norway - mainly for use in reindeer parades and Christmas grottos.

Last week, a Reindeer Centre spokesman said: "I would like to say that all our animals are much loved and well cared for as can be seen by our many visitors throughout the year.

"The person involved was one of several new part-time staff that we took on to help out. He was dismissed as unsuitable after a short period of time.

"These matters were discussed in full with the RSPCA and our vet back in the summer."