A huge electricity transformer the size of a house will take to Kent's roads tonight.

Drivers are being asked to clear the way for the 318 tonne load as it is moved from Sellindge to Dover.

The transformer, which is the size of a house, will leave National Grid's Sellinge substation aboard an 87-metre specialist delivery vehicle at 9pm with a police escort.

It will then make its way to the Port of Dover via Church Lane, turning left onto the A20 to join the M20 at junction 10.

It will leave the motorway at junction 13 and then travel along the A259 Churchill Avenue, the A260 Canterbury Road and the A20 to enter to port at the Union Street roundabout.

People have been asked to avoid parking along the delivery route.

Throughout its journey the vehicle will travel at approximately 12 miles an hour and be flanked by Kent Police outriders.

It is so big that it needs two trucks, one at the back and one at the front, to propel it.

To enable the load to access the Port of Dover, the A20 from the junction with the B2011 to the York Street roundabout will be closed from midnight until 6am tomorrow.

There will be a signed diversion route via the B2011 and York Street.

National Grid project engineer James Sheridan said: "It's our job to connect people to the energy they use and this delivery is part of that process.

"Once operational the transformer will change the voltage of electricity so it can be transported along local power lines and delivered to homes, businesses and community facilities.

"We'll do all we can to make sure this delivery goes as smoothly as possible.

"If people could please avoid parking on the route – particularly on narrow areas – it will ensure we get the transformer from the Sellindge substation through the Port of Dover as quickly and efficiently as possible."

The transformer is being taken by road to Dover from where it is being shipped to Germany for an overhaul.

Anyone with questions or concerns about the delivery can call 0800 731 1231 or email info@communityrelations.co.uk