Firefighters spent hours tackling a blaze which engulfed a warehouse in Herne Bay.

Thick clouds of smoke were seen billowing into the sky following the fire in Eddington Lane.

Dozens of firefighters were sent to the scene after calls came from members of the public who had seen the huge column of smoke.

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The fire started just after 8am at a wood store on the site of furniture firm Crown Products, a long established Herne Bay family company.

Incident commander Dave Nolan said: "We were called just before 8.15am and crews worked extremely hard, in hot conditions, enabling them to bring the blaze under control within the hour.

"Although not a concern, we initially asked people in the local area to keep their doors and windows closed as a precaution, but this is no longer required.

VIDEO: Fire rips through wood store

"On-site employees have also been really helpful, working with us to help limit the fire spread to neighbouring factory units."

Pictures and comments have been appearing on the Herne Bay Chatter Facebook page.

Susan Mills wrote: "Just drove out of Stillwater estate en route to work and could see that the place is on fire - quite big flames too."

A fire service spokesman said a height vehicle and command support unit were also sent to the scene.

The height vehicle was used as a water tower.

Crews put out the flames and spent time cooling down machinery to extinguish any remaining hot spots.

They left the scene at around 1.30pm.

A spokesman added: "Crews will revisit the site later today.

"They are working closely with site owner to make sure the business can continue operation."