A bus travelling along a country road sustained severe damage after crashing into a tree.

Shortly after 3pm yesterday, the number 11 was en route between Minster and Monkton when it collided with an overhanging branch, causing half of the windscreen on the vehicle’s upper level to shatter.

A spokesperson for Stagecoach, which operates the service from Westwood to Canterbury, said the double-decker was forced to pull over on Monkton Road while police and engineers attended the scene.

But fortunately nobody was harmed in the accident.

"The only passenger was safely seated on the lower deck and there were no injuries reported,” said the spokesperson.

"We understand KCC Highways attended the scene and removed the tree."

After the damage to the vehicle was assessed by police and a Stagecoach engineering support team, the driver drove the bus back to the depot under police escort.

Stagecoach says it does not yet have any estimate on the financial cost of the impact.

Kent Police has also been approached for comment.