Teams of firefighters battled a large field blaze that spread near to people's homes.

Crews were called to the scene off Cockering Road in Chartham, Canterbury, just before 2.45pm today, after reports standing crops had caught alight.

Six fire engines were sent to the area to fight the flames, as farmers used a tractor to try to slow the spread of the blaze.

Eyewitness Adam Pond says it came "very close to the back of properties" in nearby Stour Road.

The 23-year-old told KentOnline: "I was walking from Canterbury to Chartham with my girlfriend when I saw the fire.

"At first it looked like it was a bonfire, and I thought it was one of the worst days of the year to have one - but the smoke was thick and black.

"It was very close to the backs of some properties, and the residents were scared it might get closer to their homes.

"It was concerning - the fire was large.

"I think one of the tractors was trying to cut the crops in the fields before it spread."

A fire service spokesman has confirmed the fire was extinguished just before 3.35pm, but that crews remain at the scene "damping down".

The official says there have been no reports and that the cause of the blaze has not been established.