A council has asked a trader at a Christmas market to remove a selection of 'Golly' dolls from their stall.

In a statement released today Medway Council, Cllr Howard Doe said 'Rasta dolls' were permitted to be sold.

But following the opening weekend of the annual market, a complaint was made about the 'racist dolls'.

Cllr Doe, cabinet member for community services, said: "We do not allow ‘Gollys’ to be sold at the Rochester Christmas Market.

"We permitted the sale of Rasta dolls within the City of Rochester Craft Fair, at the Rochester Christmas Market last year.

"However, following reports that similar dolls were being sold at the market last weekend we have reviewed the situation again.

"Although the dolls are not labelled as ‘Gollys’ we understand that they may unintentionally cause offence to some visitors.

"We have therefore decided to ask the stallholder to withdraw the dolls from sale.”

It came after Cllr Vince Maple, leader of Medway Labour Group, tweeted the following on Saturday: "Sadly I've received an email this evening stating that a stall at Rochester Castle Christmas Market is selling racist dolls.

"I've written urgently to @medway_council officers to seek action on this matter."