awatkins@thekmgroup.co.uk

An elderly woman escaped unhurt, but her remote medieval home was badly damaged in a fire this morning.

Six fire engines spent several hours at the scene bringing the blaze under control in the hamlet of Priestwood Green near Meopham.

The lady, a Mrs Luxford, lived alone in the house at The Hoad, Priestwood Green Road.

She woke about 4.45am and discovered her bedroom was on fire.

Her son and neighbours rallied to her help while firefighters took more than three hours to bring the fire under control.

By the time they put it out about a quarter of the house had been destroyed.

Firefighters were expected to spend the day carrying out safety repairs, checks that all the fire in the half-timbered four bedroom cottage was out, and investigating the cause.

The road from Meopham to Harvel was closed by police.

Traffic was still being diverted along Whitehill Road and Dean Lane at noon.