A new state-of-the-art training centre could be built to help firefighters learn new skills and techniques developed following the Grenfell fire tragedy.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) has submitted plans for the redevelopment of teaching facilities at Ashford fire station which it says are now "no longer fit for purpose".

If the proposals are approved by Ashford Borough Council, the existing complex at the Henwood site will be demolished to make way for the updated centre.

Central to the plans is the erection of a high-rise structure attached to a live fire training facility which will provide firefighters with a realistic simulation of commercial and residential tower blocks.

This will allow those receiving training to practice scenarios involving both smoke and fire at height.

James Finch, KFRS assistant director for corporate services, said: "We're looking to create a state-of-the-art firefighting training facility on the existing Ashford fire station site.

"The concept and design for the fire training facility is currently in the planning permission stage with Ashford Borough Council.

"If approved, it will provide the highest standard of training for firefighters, enabling them to carry out realistic scenario-based exercises in a challenging high-rise environment, to best prepare them for real incidents."

Before developing the plans for the Ashford site, KFRS did investigate the possibility of building the new training centre elsewhere. However, it was decided that Ashford's location and proximity to the M20 made it the best place to build the new facility.

Seventy-two people lost their lives in 2017 when fire engulfed Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey residential block in London.

A subsequent inquiry into the fire has found London Fire Brigade's response showed "shortcomings in practice, policy and training".

The first report produced by the inquiry criticised a 'stay put' approach, which saw residents told to stay in their homes in the first hours after the fire started.

Firefighters sent to the blaze did not have training on how best to combat a fire which involved cladding to the outside of a building, the report also noted.

Mr Finch said: "Following the Grenfell Tower fire, all fire services are seeking to enhance skills and training involving complex buildings, further develop theoretical knowledge, and develop professional practices.

"The proposed new high-tech and advanced facility would replace the existing fire training provision in Ashford, which is no longer fit for purpose."