A woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a blaze on a boat.

The small boat was moored in the town centre, opposite the Travelodge hotel, when the fire broke out at about 9pm on Friday, July 30.

Many people were in town for the unofficial start of the Maidstone River Festival.

About 12 firefighters attended, including a special water unit with a boat from Larkfield and two crews from Maidstone.

They said they found the boat "well alight".

Festival-goers lined the riverbank and nearby bridges as firefighters put out the blaze, which caused heavy damage to the boat.

No other boats had to be moved, as there was no risk of the fire spreading.

One woman was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation but did not need to be taken to hospital.

The fire was out by 10.20pm.

The River Festival unofficially began on Friday night, with many boats already moored on the River Medway and pubs offering entertainment.

The arrested woman has been released on police bail until Saturday, August 28.

It wasn't the only river drama over the weekend. A man was pulled from the water in the early hours of Sunday morning.

For more details, see Friday's Kent Messenger.