Bosses of a historic pub devastated by a fire earlier this month plan to start reconstruction work before Christmas.

The Dirty Habit in Hollingbourne, near Maidstone, was severely damaged by a huge blaze on Sunday, October 9.

Part of the 1,000-year-old building's roof was destroyed, windows blown out and the road in Upper Street closed for days.

Now, Elite Pubs, which runs the pub and many others in Kent, has said it hopes to have the site reopened by winter next year.

A spokesman said: "Our contractors are in talks with our Maidstone Borough Council conservation officer about our next steps.

"We’re working towards reconstruction beginning before Christmas with a grand reopening winter 2023/2024.

"We’ll continue to post updates here and our social media channel."

More than £3,300 was raised for staff who lived at the pub and had their belongings destroyed in the fire.

A spokesman for the pub added: “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.”

Villagers were left in tears after seeing the "iconic" pub go up in flames earlier this month.

Some described the crackling fire sounding like a rocket going off.

While others explained how they rushed from their front room watching Strictly Come Dancing to watch as the building was destroyed.