An investigation claims that signs of drug misuse have been found at Canterbury Cathedral.

The probe, carried out by The Sun newspaper, revealed traces of cocaine were discovered in the toilets in the Precincts, which visitors have to pay to enter or have a pass.

The newspaper says the Cathedral was one of 11 out of 25 iconic sites visited where traces of the drugs were found.

They inspected the sites with a drug testing kit, similar to that used by customs officers, which are said to be 95% accurate, the paper claims.

The investigator swabbed surfaces including cisterns and toilet seats. It's findings were published on today's front page under the headline: "Ding dong merrily we're high"

Canterbury Cathedral's toilets are situated close to the gift shop on the Burgate side of the Precincts. Adults visitors pay £10.50 to enter the Precincts and the Cathedral itself, although those living or working nearby can apply for a pass.

Cathedral spokesman Jane Walker said: "We are sorry to have been advised that cocaine was traced on one of the surfaces in the public toilet block in the Canterbury Cathedral Precincts last week.

"These toilets, which are available to the one million people who visit Canterbury Cathedral every year, are inspected regularly throughout the day and there has been no evidence of repeated drug use taking place in them."