Emergency services have been thanked by two friends who they rescued when their plane crashed into dense woodland near a pub.

Ruth Samson, 49, and Timothy Nathan, 65, had just taken off from Rochester Airport around 11am when their light aircraft lost power.

It crashed near the 700-year-old Robin Hood pub in Blue Bell Hill – becoming stuck in a tree.

At least 20 emergency service vehicles were called to the scene including seven fire engines with specialist equipment.

HM Coastguard was called in from Lydd and it is thought a crane may also have been used to help get the duo to safety.

They were stranded in the cockpit until 3.30pm when they were finally rescue – heading for the pub after being checked by medics.

Speaking to KentOnline Mr Nathan said: "We're fine now, just very very thankful for all the emergency services.

"It was a loss of power after takeoff but thankfully we're both okay."

Police at the scene say the plane remains in the tree and an area is still cordoned off.

Speaking this morning as the drama unfolded, Robin Hood landlord Andy Selby, 53, told how he was in the shower when the plane crashed.

He said: "I heard all the commotion; there was a plane and then there was a helicopter which came over.

"They are currently stuck 40ft up in the air. The police think they might have hit some turbulence which led them to lose control."

Common Road was closed by police but has since reopened.

Kent Fire and Rescue has confirmed rescue operations have been completed.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched an investigation.

A spokesman said: “An accident involving an aircraft occurred this morning near Rochester Airport and has been notified to the AAIB.

"We are in contact with the emergency services team who responded to this event.”

Flights going and out of the airport was cancelled while the incident was being dealt with.