More than 80 bales of hay and 50 tonnes of tyres went up in flames yesterday afternoon which caused a huge plume of smoke across Southfleet.

Firefighters from several stations including Thames-side, were called out to Hook Green Farm in Hook Green Road, at about 2.55pm after the hay and tyres caught alight.

Four fire engines were sent to the scene along with a large water unit and crews spent hours fighting the flames.

During the incident people living near the farm were advised to keep their doors and windows closed because of the smoke billowing from the blaze.

About 20 firefighters were at the farm tackling the flames for about four hours until it was brought under control at about 7pm and crews remained at the scene until about 11pm damping down the remains of the fire.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the hay bales were totally destroyed by the flames and that the cause of the fire is under investigation.