With energy bills rising one couple have hit on a novel way of powering their home - rotten apples.

The plan will see a large house powered by the fermenting fruit.

It is the brainchild of Shaun Charlton, for a new home in Liverton Hill, Grafty Green and it has the approval of Maidstone Council, but some people living nearby have objected, worried about lorry movements as construction gets going.

Mr Charlton has designed the house to be powered by an aerobic digester, creating power from mouldy fruit in his orchards.

And the power will be used to run a home cinema and two swimming pools.

For more on this story see the Kent Messenger August 26 edition.