Firefighters spent the night tackling a blaze which consumed a derelict building

Eight fire engines were initially called to the High Street in Northfleet with a bulk water carrier at around 4.30pm.

By 5.10pm the number of engines increased to 10 and a height vehicles were also deployed.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus worked to extinguish the flames.

By 8.45pm two engines remained with crews checking for and damping down any hotspots.

All checks were complete by 10.47pm with advice to keep doors and windows closed lifted - the cause of the fire is not yet known.

Plumes of black smoke was seen across Northfleet and Gravesend starting from the former Portlands club building, which is Grade II listed.

It was built in 1878 by Thomas Bevan and known as the Factory Club.

Since opening it has been a hub for the people of Northfleet, hosting meetings, Scouts and theatrical performances.

Samantha Stiles, who lives near the scene, said she first heard the emergency service sirens at around 4pm.

The 35-year-old said: "We didn't realise it was Portlands at first.

"I went out into the garden and I could see all the smoke coming over the houses.

"I went out the front and could see all the plumes of smoke coming out and the flames at the side of the building because, by the looks of it, it started at the back of the building."

People living or working nearby were advised to close windows and doors as a precaution due to the smoke.

People are also asked to avoid the area, which is near to the junction of Factory Road, due to road closures.

Samantha, from Factory Road, added: "The houses near the building are just a wheelie bin's width away from the fire.

"It's quite close proximity and they're all terraced houses, so they're all joined.

"The emergency services have put a cordon up about halfway down the road to stop people and I think they've shut the main road."

At around 6pm Samantha said the emergency services were beginning to clear the scene, however smoke was still visible.

The Hot Rod Diner – which is opposite the building – issued a statement on social media to tell customers it would be closed for the rest of the evening.

It added: "The fire crews have said it is likely to take them a few hours to put the fire out. So for safety, we would rather not have a building full of people across from the fire."

The restaurant said it hoped to be open as usual tomorrow.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

In an update at 5.10pm, KFRS said there were now 10 engines at the scene, along with a bulk water carrier and a height vehicle.

No injuries have been reported.

KFRS asked people to share the update with anyone in the affected area who might not have access to social media.

Traffic updates at 8.40pm said the High Street had re-opened.

Cllr Lauren Sullivan, Gravesham Borough Council's cabinet member for Strategic Environment, said: "Like many in Northfleet I was saddened and angry to learn of the fire at The Portlands building, which is a landmark of Northfleet and of our borough.

"While we currently do not know the cause of the fire, I wish to reassure residents that this incident will be investigated under our Enforcement Strategy and powers given to us under government regulations.

"We will look to ensure that this proud listed building is restored as soon as possible.

"Thank you to all our partners in the emergency services for what they have done so far to contain this fire and for the support and advice they have given local residents and businesses.

"We will of course keep residents and businesses updated when we know more.”