Nuns in Chicago have launched a legal battle to close down a huge glitzy strip club which opened next to their convent.

The Missionary Sisters of St Charles Borromeo are suing the neon-lit Club Allure and the local officials who allowed it to open in Stone Park, Chicago.

Sister Maria Noemia Silva said: "This goes against our whole fibre, our well-being.

"We've been here more than 70 years. We're fighting for a safe, healthy environment here. And for the club to close."

The lawsuit will aim to exploit a law that prohibits such businesses from operating within 1,000 feet of a place of worship.

Attorney Peter Breen said: "Stone Park is not protecting its residents, and shame on the strip joint owners for putting it next to a convent."

But Sean O'Brien, managing partner of Allure, said the club had tried to be a good neighbor, doing what it could to limit noise, lights and litter.

"I can't imagine why they would dislike us, except for the morality of it," he said. "We are the most... cleanest version of what we are."http://web.orange.co.uk/article/quirkies/Nun_launch_battle_to_close_strip_club