If you were puzzled by an unusual helicopter in the skies across west Kent today don't be alarmed - it was just checking electricity pylons.

Many residents took to social media to report the chopper over parts of Maidstone, Malling and Medway.

An air traffic controller at Rochester Airport told KentOnline the aircraft is operated by Western Power Distribution.

It took off from Bristol Airport earlier today and has been circling the Kent skies to inspect the pylons.

The controller added it carries out checks every three months.

It has been stopping at Rochester Airport at the top of Blue Bell Hill to refuel and will be landing around 5pm.