Firefighters were called to battle a blaze at a village primary school.

A number of engines were called to Rodmersham near Sittingbourne tonight.

Witnesses said there were four fire engines and a crane present.

At 10.15pm crews remained at the scene securing the area around the school, with the roof appearing to be badly damaged.

Groups of villagers were also present outside the premises, which is close to the Fruiterers Arms pub and village green.

Blue tarpaulin has been placed over a large section of the roof.

Speaking earlier, a resident said: “The first fire engine arrived at around 7pm, the second around half an hour later.

“We realised quite quickly how bad it was when more engines turned up. They are now in a crane assessing the damage to the roof of the main building, which is primarily where the fire was.

“It’s not clear how much damage there is at the minute or what the cause is.

“There was some form of alarm going off during the day and there has been work going on there, but we can’t say much more than that for certain.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for more information.