More than 50 firefighters spent the night and most of the morning tackling a large fire at a car workshop near Brands Hatch race circuit.

Nine fire engines were sent to the blaze, which took hold just after midnight.

Firefighters were still there this morning but the track was open as usual with only a small area cordoned off.

Race track driving experiences planned at the circuit are expected to go ahead as planned, Brands Hatch managers said.

Crews were called to the building just off the circuit site on Scratchers Lane in West Kingsdown near just after 12.30am.

Police have also been at the scene overnight and remained there this morning as investigations continue into the cause.

It is not yet known how the fire started but it is not thought to be suspicious.

Firefighters used a height vehicle and bulk water carrier along with the nine fire engines to put out the flames.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said this morning: "The fire has now been extinguished using hose reel jets, compressed air foam and ground monitor attacks.

"At the incident's height there was a bulk water carrier, a height vehicle and nine fire engines.

"Crews are continuing to cool the incident ground and are likely to be in attendance until at least midday today."

Guests staying at a hotel on the race circuit site were evacuated at around 2am but were able to return to their rooms around 30 minutes later.

The Birtley House Independent School, which is nearby, said it was still open as normal today.