The owners of a derelict pub say a fire which badly damaged the building will not affect their development plans.

Around 40 firefighters tackled the blaze on Wednesday morning at the Duke on Kent on the Thanet Way at Hernhill.

The fire burnt through the roof and destroyed internal stairs.

The building's owners, London-based property development company Cedar Holdings (UK) Ltd, are waiting for a decision on whether they can turn it into a care home, offices and small industrial units.

A spokesman said: “I was a bit disappointed about the fire but it won’t affect our plans.

"The building has been derelict for about 20 years and would have to be demolished anyway.”

Fire crews were alerted at 3am. At the height of the blaze the London-bound carriageway was closed but reopened in time for the morning rush-hour.

The cause is being investigated.