Comedian Russell Brand has blasted plans for a new Thames Crossing.

In a video posted on his Facebook page, the outspoken 40-year old describes the Highways England proposal as a 'terrible, terrible plan'.

Brand, 40, from Grays, Essex, said the crossing would negatively affect 'hard working British people' living in areas on both sides of the river.

"I wouldn't have got involved but my auntie, my mum, lots of people who live in Grays, Chadwell, Tilbury are being negatively affected," he said.

"Small tiny battles like this, if won, communally, are a wonderful platform for us to advance on."

Highways England's preferred option for a new crossing - dubbed Option C - is a tunnel connecting Tilbury in Essex with Gravesend here in Kent.

"Small tiny battles like this, if won, communally, are a wonderful platform for us to advance on." - Russell Brand.

Hundreds of residents from the surrounding parishes of Chalk, Higham and Shorne have been campaigning in opposition, citing concerns over traffic, pollution and the demolition of homes.

Brand voices similar concerns in his video, but road bosses insist the crossing is needed "to reduce congestion at the existing Dartford Crossing and unlock economic growth".

Dartford locals have also backed Option C.

Residents affected by the proposal are still being invited to submit their views as part of a public consultation, which closes next Thursday, March 24.