Thirty workers had to evacuate a factory after fire broke out.

Firefighters with breathing apparatus dealt with the incident at Thermo Fisher Scientific, which makes DNA testing equipment, in Leacon Road, Ashford.

Fire had broken out in a solvent cleaning unit just after 8.50pm on Friday.

Three fire engines, two from the Ashford station and one from Charing, were called out and four firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus and a hosereel jet were used.

The fire was confined to the unit in a 2 by 1 metre stainless steel cupboard.

But smoke had spread out over an area of 60 by 30m and the plant had to be extensively ventilated.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service says the fire had stemmed from vapours from solvents but it is not known how it was ignited.

Nobody was injured and staff had to stay off the premises for 1 hour 40 minutes.