Crews battled a fire at a historic, derelict building in a high street.

Firefighters were called to the former Portlands Club building in Northfleet, which is Grade II-listed.

Pictures shared online showed ladders being used to access the upper levels of the site, as smoke poured from its roof.

Kent Fire and Rescue confirmed it sent five engines to the scene along with a height vehicle.

Also known as The Factory Club, the building dates back to 1878. It was built by cement manufacturer Thomas Bevan.

Although it has been empty for more than 30 years, the property was once a hub for the area and used to have its own outdoor pool and a stage.

Scouts would use the building – at the junction with Factory Road – and it also hosted political meetings and theatrical performances.

Portlands has been savaged by flames four times in recent years.

There was outcry in December 2022, when a historian said a large blaze which broke out at the listed building was "a disaster".

At the time he said: “The building is one of the most important in Europe. It is not just some old hall – this is a really important building. It is a very, very significant building not only in Northfleet but internationally.”

It was then hit in July 2023 and again in September last year.

A Kent Fire and Rescue service spokesman said the cause of the fire is not yet known.

There were no reported injuries.

Crews were called just after 5pm and left the scene at 6.45pm.