A tree which came crashing down across a main road, bringing down telephone wires and crushing a car, has been cleared thanks to volunteers.

Members of the Staplehurst Emergency Help Team sprang into action when the village’s high street was blocked during yesterday’s stormy weather.

The tree, in the grounds of the community centre, came down across the A229, bringing down telephone wires and crushing a car, but fortunately causing no injuries.

Mel Alesi, who heads the helpers’ group, and who went to the scene herself, said: “A massive, massive thank you to everyone who responded.

“When we arrived, the police and fire service were already on the scene, and although we brought chainsaws with us, they didn't need us for that.

“Instead we were deployed to traffic-control duty, directing vehicles down the two diversion routes, as the road was completely blocked.”

Mrs Alesi was proud of her group’s response.

She said: “The emergency help team has been established for many years, but it withered a bit during Covid.

“Since then we have reformed the team and we now have 25 to 30 members, many of whom have been on training courses with the Kent Resilience Unit.

“But this was our first big test since Covid.

“It was absolutely pouring down with rain, so it wasn’t a pleasant task standing there for several hours.”

The road was re-opened yesterday at 8.30pm.

This morning, motorists on the A229 would be unaware of the disaster.

The road is fully open and the damage has largely been cleared.