A Kent MP has called for a government crackdown on the sale of nitrous oxide - including raising the age limit to over 25s.

Rosie Duffield spoke of her concerns this evening after she bagged a parliamentary debate about the misuse of the recreational drug - known as "hippy crack" and "laughing gas".

It comes after Whitstable residents said boy racers and yobs binging on it are making living there a "nightmare".

Beach-goers have also complained about metal cannisters - from which the drug is inhaled - being strewn across the seafront by louts.

The Canterbury and Whitstable MP said at an adjournment debate today the "fashionable association" between nitrous oxide and car drag racing "has to end".

"It is clear that tighter regulations around the sale of nitrous oxide are now needed," she said.

The canisters are made for medical and commercial use - such as cream whipper charger bulbs for use in catering. But it is illegal to be sold as a psychological drug.

Ms Duffield backs calls from Professor Gino Martini, the chief scientist at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, to raise the age of sale to people over 25 and to restrict the amount per purchase.

But she has made it clear she does not support criminal action being taken against young users of the drug.

She spoke of the serious risks to health nitrous oxide poses to users - including paralysis, spinal cord damage, deep vein thrombosis and nerve damage.

A number of unsafe practices of nitrous oxide use have been reported, including inhaling it from the nozzle of a whipped cream dispenser, plastic bags, or directly from a tank.

Responding to Ms Duffield's speech, Home Office minister Kevin Foster said: "Many of our constituents are concerned about the impact of the misuse of nitrous oxide - not only on the physical and mental wellbeing of users but also on communities, from its associated problem with antisocial behaviour and the silver canisters littering our streets.

"The Government is conscience of these concerns and the need to respond to them."

Figures have revealed 29 people died in England and Wales from nitrous oxide use between 2010 and 2017. The latest data has revealed there are an average of five people per year.

Canterbury City Council is considering introducing a raft of stringent Public Spaces Protection Orders which would make it an offence to possess nitrous oxide canisters on land it owns in the district.

The plans, which aim to crack down on nuisance behaviour, would see rule-breakers given on-the-spot fines.

People can comment on a consultation into the plans on the council's website until August 30.

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