A man has admitted setting fire to the former base of the Canterbury Sea Cadets.

Flames ripped through the derelict site in Puckle Lane on Saturday, September 14, causing extensive damage.

Two fire engines were called to the scene, and spent an hour dousing the blaze.

Shortly after, homeless John Pullin, 60, handed himself in at Canterbury police station. the blaze.

He was charged with arson and appeared before Canterbury Magistrates’ Court via videolink the following Monday, where he pleaded guilty to starting the fire on purpose.

Pullin returned to the same court on Monday when he spoke to confirm his name and age.

But the case was adjourned for another two weeks for a psychiatric report to be prepared.

Pullin was remanded in custody until Monday, October 21, when he will return for sentencing.

The hall, in the quiet lane off Old Dover Road, was home to the Canterbury Sea Cadets until they moved out last year.

Since they stopped using the site, it has been targeted by vandals and squatters, prompting residents to complain to the city council about its state.

The cadets are preparing to move into their new, purpose-built centre next to the River Stour in Vauxhall Road.