GENTLY does it was the order of the day as a giant crane that smashed through the roof of a luxury home was painstakingly lifted clear at the weekend.

The accident happened around 8.30am on Friday in Kingsgate Avenue, Kingsgate, Broadstairs. The machine's cab toppled sideways and the 50ft boom arm ploughed through the roof from back to front. No one was hurt.

More than 20 firefighters from Thanet and the surrounding area attended at the scene, together with police, paramedics and an ambulance.

The area was sealed off over the weekend as more huge cranes were drafted in to gently lift the toppled crane clear.

Our photographer Mike Pett was there to capture the crane's gradual removal. Chief reporter Peter Barnett took the pictures on the day of the drama.