POTHOLE Pete has been on patrol in Otford and Shoreham, examining the state of the roads.

The first pothole he was alerted to was on a side road by Otford Antiques in the High Street.

Barry Dixey and Alan Southon, who work in the shop, believe it was caused by an underground spring.

Barry said: "It's certainly a big hole. I don't think there will be many more around here that will be this deep."

Alan added: "Pothole Pete is a great idea.

"Potholes have been a problem for a number of years now and it takes someone like Pete to bring them into the spotlight. He's doing a grand job, and long may he continue."

Our crater crusader then discovered a cluster of potholes at the top end of the High Street in Shoreham.

Len Metcalfe, a retired postman from Elm Lane, Otford, gave Pete a ride on his bike.

Len said: "These potholes are an absolute nuisance, especially if you are riding a bike like me.

"It is bad enough if you are in a car when you hit a bump. I mean, potholes like this could totally ruin the suspension and then you have to claim on your insurance for the damage.

"I am a big fan of Pete, I think it's great what he is doing."

Phil Scrivener, spokesman for Kent County Council, said: "We are still urging the public to let us know if they spot a pothole on our roads by ringing us or reporting it through our website.

"If a pothole is reported and one of our highway inspectors deems it to be very hazardous to drivers, then we will have the pothole filled within two hours.

"If it is not as hazardous, it will go on to the list of potholes that are needed to be filled and we will endeavour to get it done as soon as we possibly can.

"We are taking this issue very seriously because we are very aware of the inconvenience of the potholes."

Next week Pete is in Chipstead