A trampoline blown onto railway tracks was struck by a train as howling gales caused travel problems across Kent.

Strong winds resulted in havoc for many this morning, with several routes blocked by fallen trees.

The trampoline was hit in the Tonbridge area and was initially described by train company Southeastern as "an obstruction on the line". The power had to be turned off so staff could remove it.

Fortunately, there had been no passengers on the train.

The blockage affected services between Paddock Wood and Sevenoaks and Sevenoaks and Hastings. It was cleared by about 8.30am.

It prompted a warning from Network Rail, which tweeted: "High winds can blow all sorts of objects onto the tracks - please make sure your garden objects are secure!"

A tree fell on the line between Chilham and Chartham, on the Canterbury to Ashford line, impacting trains from about 7am to 9.30am, when it was cleared.

On the roads, lanes were closed all morning on the QEII Bridge at Dartford due to strong winds, leading to severe delays. Drivers coming into Kent were caught in queues for more than an hour, with congestion stretching back several miles.

There were reports of fallen trees on the A20 Maidstone Road in Ashford, near Orchard Heights, and on the A2 Canterbury Road in Faversham. Both have now been removed.

Another has come down in Yeoman Lane, Bearsted, near Maidstone, which was said to have been blocked.

A tree also blocked the A229 Angley Road, Cranbrook, in both directions in the early hours. It has since been cleared.

Delays of up to two hours remained this afternoon on DFDS Seaways and P&O Ferries between Dover and Calais due to strong winds in the Channel.

Forecasters had warned the winds could strengthen further during the day but a yellow weather warning was removed earlier this morning.

Listen to kmfm for regular travel updates.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent