A fundraiser has been set up for staff who "lost everything" after a devastating blaze at an 11th century pub.

Just after 8pm on Sunday a fire broke out at The Dirty Habit in Hollingbourne, near Maidstone, destroying part of the roof, as well as the accommodation of multiple workers.

Now, Elite Pubs, which runs the 1,000-year-old pub, has set up a fundraising page for staff who lost many personal items after they and customers were evacuated.

A spokesman for the chain said: "Unfortunately, there was significant damage to the pub including the rooms of our wonderful live-in staff.

"These staff members have lost everything from extremely personal items and documents to clothes and laptops. We're reaching out to ask for your generosity in donations to help get our staff back on their feet.

"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 reopening will be released closer to the time and any updates will be posted on our website and social media channels."

So far, £800 of a £2,500 goal has been raised and Elite Pubs has thanked the fire service for its stellar work.

It added: "We’d like to thank Kent Fire and Rescue 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."

Until today, one fire engine remained at the scene in Upper Street to dampen hotspots and make the area safe.

But that crew has now left the site.

A fire service spokesman explained: "Firefighting operations at the scene of a fire at The Dirty Habit pub in Hollingbourne, near Maidstone have now been completed. The scene has been passed onto a site surveyor, and the road remains closed at this time.

The "terrifying fire" left many neighbours upset at seeing the iconic pub go up in a blaze.

One described hearing crackling "like popcorn" as it went up in flames.