A village is recovering after being hit by an invasion of flies.

The problem in picturesque Appledore was so bad on Sunday the Black Lion pub was forced to close.

Landlord Raymond Cottingham said: “We had to close and we had the place fumigated.

“One lady said she had more than 500 flies in her house!”

Mr Cottingham has since spent nearly £1,000 to buy an air curtain – an insect deterrent – based purely on Sunday’s experience.

He added: “I have been here 15 years and I have never known a problem like Sunday’s.”

David Richards, owner of Appledore village store said: “It has been bad. We have had to wrap every single thing that isn’t already wrapped.

“I have a neon light, which normally is very effective, but for some reason they don’t go near it.

“I have put the old fly strips up and they work.”

The reason for the sudden swarm is unknown though some suspect recent muck-spreading might be the answer.

• For the fully story see the Kentish Express website>>>