A 17th century barn and brewery in Kent has burned to the ground after being struck by lightning.

The Good Things Brewing Co in Eridge, near Tunbridge Wells, was the victim of freak accident last night.

Founder Chris Drummond says he and his team are "deeply saddened" by the event.

He said: "Our beloved 17th century barn, the home to our brewery was struck by lightning today and has sadly burned to the ground.

"Thankfully the team and I are all safe and no one was hurt.

"The barn is something our family and brew team treasured with so many fond memories and we are deeply saddened but we are very thankful no one was on site today."

The barn opened for brewing in April 2019 after work began on making it self sustainable in 2018.

Chris revealed he plans to set up a fundraiser in the coming days to help get the brewery back on its feet.

The shocking news was met with hundreds of messages of support from customers and other breweries around the country.

Emma Inch said: "Terrible news. Quite apart from how devastating this is for the brewery, this 17th century barn held so much personal history for Chris & his family.

"All at the brewery have worked so hard over the past few years to create a sustainable, innovative brewery. Love to all."

While Paul Jones added: "Absolutely gutted for you all. Heartbreaking, but so glad nobody was on site to get hurt.

"Please keep your spirits up knowing that a great many of us are rooting you and for a swift and full recovery of operations as soon as practicable."

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells