MORE than 100 firefighters from stations across Kent fought a fire at Barton Mill, on the Sturry Road, Canterbury, on Thursday night.

Three fire engines were despatched at 11.37pm and reinforcements were quickly added from stations including Ashford, Faversham and Margate.

At its height 20 fire engines tackled the blaze, visible from six miles away.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said: "It took about one and a half hours to surround the fire and get it under control. Considering the size of the fire, that was a really good job."

Around 80 per cent of the mill complex was saved, with the bulk of the damage done to a part of the mill straddling the River Stour.

Due to the position of the blaze, fire crews were forced to access the site from the old greyhound stadium in Kingsmead Road.

Divisional Officer John Wildish said: "They have done an excellent job in saving the brick built building but unfortunately the part that crosses the river was well alight when they arrived."

The fire is being investigated.