A number of lambs had to be rescued after the lorry transporting them caught fire.

The animals were taken to safety by firefighters after the vehicle ignited on the M20 near Ashford.

Two fire engines attended and crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.

No casualties were reported, and all of the lambs were placed back into their trailer after the scene was cleared.

Traffic was held on both carriageways while the blaze was put out, with the coastbound carriageway suffering residual delays following a crash between a van and lorry near the fire.

A Kent Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: "Firefighters were called to reports of a tipper truck alight on the M20 between Junction 9 for Ashford and Junction 8 for Hollingbourne, Maidstone.

"Two fire engines attended and crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames. No casualties were reported.

Avoid getting stuck on Kent's roads by keeping up-to-date on all of the latest traffic and travel news here or by following our live blog.

"The vehicle involved was towing a trailer carrying a number of lambs, which were removed to safety. Once the fire was out, crews helped to put the animals back into the trailer.

"Officers from the Highways Agency and Kent Police were also in attendance."

Queues have now subsided and traffic is flowing normally.