A village is recovering after being hit by an invasion of flies.

The problem in picturesque Appledore was so bad on Sunday that the Black Lion pub was forced to close.

Landlord Raymond Cottingham said: “We had to close and we had the place fumigated.

“One lady said she had more than 500 flies in her house!”

Mr Cottingham has since spent nearly £1,000 to buy an air curtain – a down draught insect deterrent – based purely on Sunday’s experience.

He added: “I have been here 15 years and I have never known a problem like Sunday’s.”

David Richards, owner of Appledore village store said: “It has been bad. We have had to wrap every single thing that isn’t already wrapped.

“I have a neon light, which normally is very effective, but for some reason they don’t go near it.

“I have put the old fly strips up and they work.”

The reason for the sudden swarm is unknown though some suspect that recent muck-spreading might be the answer.

Parish council chairman Frances Smith isn’t so sure, saying: “They are small black flies, quite dopey and easy to swat.

“They are not dung flies.”

Appledore resident Alexandra Cowell said: “My house was absolutely filled with them.

“People were talking about it in the shop on Monday. Businesses may be affected and times are tough as it is.”

Dean Spurrell, spokesman for Ashford Borough Council, confirmed that they had received one complaint from the village and that Environmental Health officers intend making inquiries to try and determine the cause.