A busy road remains closed for a second day after a huge fire at a 1000-year-old village pub.

The Dirty Habit in Upper Street, Hollingbourne, was devastated after it went up in flames at around 9pm on Sunday night.

Now, more than 60 hours after the blaze, the road is still closed as the fire service ensures all hotspots have been properly dealt with.

Drivers are being asked to avoid the area as there is no way through the narrow road as three engines continue to dampen the damaged building.

The right side of the historic 11th century building's roof has been completely destroyed by the fire, as well as the majority of windows shattered.

As of 11am on Wednesday, October 12, a fire service spokesman said: "One fire engine remains at the scene of the fire in The Dirty Habit pub in Hollingbourne, near Maidstone.

"Crews are checking the building for any remaining hotspots, and working with contractors to make the scene safe.

"Road users are still being asked to avoid the area where possible while operations continue, since the road is expected to remain closed for some time. Crews would like to thank everyone for their patience. Please share this with anyone who may not have access to the internet."

Neighbours described the horrifying scenes of seeing the "iconic" boozer shoot up in flames "like a rocket launch".

Glenda Dennett, who has lived opposite the pub for more than 50 years, was watching Strictly Come Dancing when the fire started.

She said: “We went out and the flames were terrible. They were so high and began spreading across the pub.

“I saw through the bottom window the fire was spreading in the main dining area. The flames just shot up through the back and became so high. It was so bad."

The gran said a neighbouring Tudor property, which is separated by less than a metre of space, was lucky not to go up in flames as well.

“I’ve been here since 1964 and never seen anything like this," she added.

The pub is owned by Elite Pubs, with a spokesman saying: "The Elite Pubs family is truly devastated by the events that occurred at The Dirty Habit, Hollingbourne yesterday.

"Shortly after 8pm, a fire broke out at our 11th-century pub and emergency services were called. All staff and customers were evacuated swiftly and accounted for.

"Unfortunately, there has been significant damage to the pub.

"Each and every one of our pubs is extremely special to us, but the history of this one holds a very special place.

"The pub has been closed and will remain so until repairs have been made. Dates for re-opening will be released closer to the time and any updates will be posted on our website and social media channels.

"We’d like to thank the fire service for their immediate response and to all who have sent well wishes – we truly appreciate your kind words.

"In true Elite fashion, we’ll pick ourselves up from this and return stronger than ever before and the pub will be restored to its former glory.

"We ask all of our customers to remain patient as we come to terms with the event and re-arrange bookings."

Some residents were concerned firefighters had been struggling to get access to enough water on Sunday night, with one witness describing them as looking "panicked".

However, the fire service denied this and said enough water was gained from hydrants, fire engine supply, bulk water carrier supply, and water from a nearby swimming pool.