An historic pub named after a local war hero is facing a two-month closure.

The John Brunt VC in Paddock Wood is set to be converted into a gastropub at a cost of £480,000 after it was taken over by Star Pubs and Bars.

The Church Road boozer will close its doors on December 2 - fortunately The Secret Drinker has paid a visit to give his thoughts.

A spokeswoman from Star Pubs and Bars said: "We have plans to transform the John Brunt VC into the best family friendly pub in the area. Building work will start early December with the pub reopening mid to late February."

It is the only pub in England to be named after a Victoria Cross holder.

Young John, as he was known around Paddock Wood, served in Italy during the Second World War before was killed by mortar fire in 1944.

His death came the day after an act of bravery that would earn him a posthumous Victoria Cross.

A letter from the War Office read: "Wherever the fighting was heaviest, Captain Brunt was always to be found, moving from one post to another, encouraging the men and firing any weapon he found at any target he could see.

"The magnificent action fought by this Officer, his coolness, bravery, devotion to duty and complete disregard of his own personal safety under the most intense and concentrated fire was beyond praise. His personal example and individual action were responsible to a very great extent for the successful repulse of these fierce enemy counter-attacks."

Young John was killed by mortar fire the following day - four days after his 22nd birthday.

In honour of the fallen hero his local pub, then called The Kent Arms, was renamed the John Brunt VC and remains the only pub in England to be named after a Victoria Cross holder.

There are no plans to change the name of the pub.

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