Lengthy queues blocked access to one of Kent's busiest hospitals today because travellers gained illegal entry to the site.

Roads near Darent Valley Hospital were severely congested this afternoon after a convoy of caravans made their way on the hospital grounds.

A hospital spokesman said: "We can confirm that yesterday afternoon a number of travellers entered the hospital site illegally.

"The Trust worked closely with the Police and other agencies to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. The travellers left the site the same evening

Julia Roberts, a reporter for the Gravesend Messenger, was on her way to the hospital for her 15-year-old daughter Amy.

She said: "The queue was back to the main road off the hospital site.

"It took us 20 min to get through but what was bizarre is that it was a queue at the first car park that was causing all the problems.

"Once we were past that we breezed through. But there were no car park staff telling people this.

"I was told by a member of the public who took it upon herself to walk along the queue of cars and let drivers know."