Firefighters spent four hours fighting a blaze which broke out at the former Hawkhurst Methodist Church.

Four crews were called after flames were spotted sprouting from the building in Highgate Hill, Hawkhurst, at around 1am.

The blaze was reported to be within the rear extension.

The building, which was formerly the Hawkhurst Methodist Church, was sold at an auction in 2012 for £165,000 and turned into a private home.

According to Kent Fire and Rescue Service, no casualties were reported and the cause is not yet known.

Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used hose reel jets, main jets and water from a local hydrant to tackle the blaze before damping down any hot spots.

The operation went from around 1am until almost 4am.

The church now runs its services from Dunk's Hall, in Rye Road, including a weekly coffee morning.

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