Firefighters continued to monitor the scene of a haybale fire overnight which destroyed winter food for livestock at a farm near Rochester this weekend.

Crews were called to haybales alight on land off Rye Street in Cooling at around 8pm on Friday, November 11.

Four fire engines were sent to the scene and crews decided to allow the hay to burn under controlled conditions.

People living or working in the area were told to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution because of the large amount of smoke.

Keith Loveridge owns the land and said it is not the first time the site has been targetted.

He said: "We've had five fires like this over the last 15 years and it's not a joke. Not for us any way financially.

"We farm beef cattle and sheep and most of that fire there would be our winter feed - it's gone up in smoke.

Last night at about 10.30pm, a spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said crews continued to carry out controlled burning at the site, and the fire has been reduced.

The spokesman added: "Those living or working nearby are still temporarily advised to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution due to smoke.

"Please pass this message onto anyone in the area, who may not have access to the internet."