A family had a miraculous escape aftera car ploughed into a 15th century village cottage.

The "shocking and distressing" incident unfolded after a young driver lost control of a Seat hatchback in Wingham High Street in the early hours and smashed into the property.

A couple and children staying in the period house, known as Cannon Hall Cottage, for Christmas are said to have "escaped with their lives".

Posting on the village Facebook Page, the owners, who rent out the cottage as a holiday let, said the car had crashed through scaffolding on the front of the building and into the dining room.

"The car smashed the chairs and table, Christmas tree, and paintings to the middle of the house," wrote Louise May.

"As it was 1am, thankfully the children were safe in bed, and the adults just tidying up the dining room on the first night of their holiday."

Mrs May praised villagers for turning out to help them and their guests "deal with the destruction and shock".

"We recognise again how lucky we are to live in this village," she added.

"But this shocking, and distressing accident adds weight to considering the village speed limit perhaps."

Police say they were called to the scene on Wednesday, December 22, to deal with a "disturbance" and are investigating an allegation of assault as well as the cause of the collision.

None of the occupants of the Seat were seriously injured in the crash.

The owners of the historic cottage say the firm working on the neighbouring property helped secure the scaffolding and damaged brickwork.

"We have no physical harm but the house, built in 1475 is very damaged but will be carefully restored and its history protected," said Mrs May.