A resident equipped with a chainsaw came to the rescue of motorists delayed by a fallen tree in Maidstone.

The A249, Sittingbourne Road was completely blocked in both directions at Tudor Avenue on Saturday.

Emergency services were called to the area just after 4pm, but when they arrived found a near-by resident already geared-up and ready to help.

Gary Kilbey, who lives in Hatherall Road - just off Sittingbourne Road - was cutting back hedges in his own garden when he heard the tree fall.

The 58-year-old said: "I was doing some chainsawing myself when I realised a tree had fallen. I went down the road and waited for the police to arrive. When they did I asked them if they wanted me to get rid of it.

"It's the second time I've done it. Last winter another tree feel and I cleared it, it happens quite often."

The carriageway was cleared and traffic began running freely.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "We were called to a report of a tree blocking Sittingbourne Road.

"With the assistance of members of the public, for which we are very grateful, the tree was moved from the road and it reopened at 4:40pm."