Seven people from Kent arrested on suspicion of conspiring to import drugs and banned items into jail have been charged.

Officers from Kent Police's serious and organised crime unit arrested the men on Wednesday morning as part of a joint operation with security personnel at HMP Elmley on the Isle of the Sheppey.

Those charged include Peter Russell Germaine, 31, Stewart Jarman, 24, Jason Pitt, 36, and Warren Shaw, 25.

The four men, all from HMP Elmley, have been charged with conspiracy to supply a class B drug and conspiracy to bring prohibited items into the prison.

Three Ramsgate residents - Anthony Jarman, 27, of Nixon Avenue, Alan Shaw, 51, of Ellen Avenue, and Sean McCann, 23, of Prestedge Avenue - have been charged with the same two offences.

Alan Shaw was also charged with the production of cannabis and McCann with possession of the drug.

All seven men, none of whom work for the prison service, are due to appear at Canterbury Magistrates Court on Thursday.