Residents in a North Cornwall village say they are furious that one of its oldest cottages has been knocked down.

Yo Ho Cottage was about 200-years-old and part of a terrace of cottages which overlook Polzeath's Atlantic coast.

It was completely demolished by builders who were carrying out alterations.

North Cornwall District Council said the owner did have permission for alterations and an extension to the existing property.

The cottage was featured in a history book

Local resident Keith Williams said: "I was horrified. They are the oldest buildings in Polzeath, and to have one of them taken away is terrible.

"It's taken away part of the history of the town."

The council's building control surveyor Jane Duffy said: "What we've found out is that during construction work, which included the enlarging of windows, the front wall became unstable and the builder felt that it needed to be demolished."

Builder Phil Eddy, who carried out the demolition, said: "I told the council what happened. As far as I'm concerned, that's it."

When asked if it was an accident, Mr Eddy said: "Yes. I've told the council."

The BBC has tried to contact the owner of the property, local businessman Robert Harris. He has not replied to any calls.