Work to rebuild a historic pub which was devastated by fire is set to start next month.

The Hooden on The Hill was gutted when a blaze ripped through the building from the kitchen at the end of November last year.

Firefighters battled the flames at the grade-II listed pub in Silverhill Road in Willesborough Lees, but were unable to prevent extensive fire and water damage.

In July, architects from Design ID submitted plans to Ashford Borough Council to rebuild the pub and restore it back to its former glory.

The damage was estimated at at least £100,000 to repair the building, and it has been surrounded by scaffolding since the spring.

But there were some delays while pub owner Punch Taverns was bought out by Heineken, with the sale now complete.

On Facebook, landlord Howard Lapish has posted an update to patrons.

In the statement he wrote: “Good news at last, the rebuild will start on Monday, October 9.

“If everything goes to plan the re-opening will be end of February. We have lots of changes planned will keep you updated as things progress.”