Four young children are being treated in William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, after a fire.

The High Street in Biddenden has been closed after the blaze broke out at 5.30am.

It is believed to have started in a chiropractors within hairdressers Waltz International.

Four young children are being treated at William Harvey Hospital for what is believed to be the effects of smoke inhalation. No other injuries have yet been reported.

Shelia Daniels from restaurant Ye Maydes said: "All the people in the property are fine.

"It started in the chiropractors in the hairdressers and then it spread to two more properties.

"All the buildings are listed, so the roofs are timber so there's nothing to stop the fire."

Four fire engines remain at the scene and four properties have been affected by the blaze. which started on the first floor of a property. Kent Fire and Rescue is describing the fire as "well contained" and firefighters are extinguishing hot spots through the open roof.

A drone has been deployed to survey the fire from above and crews are expected to remain at the scene throughout the day and evening.

Listen to Sam Kadinopoulos who lives in the village

At the height of the blaze 50 firefighters and 10 fire engines were deployed to tackle it, together with a specialist height vehicle, bulk water carrier and a command support vehicle.

Graham Garrett owns The West House next to where the fire started and was woken by the smell of smoke

The fire was put out by 6pm and Biddenden High Street has been reopened.