More than 80 firefighters were called to a mystery blaze at a large thatched house near Canterbury.

The fire, affecting the roof and second floor, started at just before 11am on Thursday at the home in Denton Lane, Wootton.

The alarm was raised by the property owners, who fled the building unharmed.

In total 11 fire engines, a height vehicle, a water unit plus support vehicles tackled the fire which was eventually put out at about 10.40pm.

Investigators are due at the property today to try and discover what happened but it's not thought the blaze was suspicious.

At its height more than 80 firefighters were on the scene.

Members of the Urban Search and Rescue team, who are trained to use heavy duty cutters, shoring and lifting equipment as well as chainsaws, were also called to break up the thatch.

Crews formed fire breaks by cutting into the roof to prevent the fire spreading, while firefighters in breathing apparatus entered the building and covered the contents in protective sheeting.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service's area manager for East Kent, Andy Merriman, said: "Fires in thatched properties are renowned for spreading rapidly and can be very difficult to save, however fire crews have worked tremendously hard. The combined initial efforts enabled us to prevent the fire from spreading to an adjoining wing as well as successfully being able to contain the fire to the roof and second floor."