Firefighters have been tackling a blaze at a pub in Kent which was “historically used by pilgrims” heading to Canterbury.

The Dirty Habit in Hollingbourne, near Maidstone, was engulfed by flames on Sunday evening, forcing the evacuation of nearby properties.

Parts of the pub are said to be nearly 1,000 years old.

Twelve fire engines along with additional support units were at the scene after the incident started at around 8.20pm.

No injuries have been reported by the emergency services.

Surrounding roads were closed on Monday with people being advised to avoid the area. Six fire engines remained at the scene.

According to the village pub’s website, it is an “11th century monk’s ale and cider house” which was “historically an inn used by pilgrims on their way to Canterbury”.

It is run by pub chain Elite and describes itself as a “quintessentially English country pub, restaurant and private dining room”.

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