Firefighters were called to the play area of a children’s nursery to tackle a blaze that had broken out in the early hours of this morning.

Two appliances arrived at the scene in Jemmet Road, Ashford, at around 3.40am.

The blaze started in the garden of Victoria Park nursery damaging toys, a shed and the wall of the building in Jemmet Road.

Crew members from Ashford and Charing worked to extinguish the fire, which had begun to spread from the playground to the adjoining nursery.

Crew Manager Tim Hanley, of Green Watch, said: "Thanks to a quick response time we managed to stop the fire spreading to the rest of the building."

"A window was destroyed and the fire had started to enter the building, so it’s likely that they will have to close for a few days, but it could have been a lot worse."

It is not known how the fire started but police are said to be investigating its cause.

Children at the nursery were looking forward to their Christmas party on Thursday, but for now it seems Christmas is cancelled unless a new venue can be found.

Organisers are appealing for anyone who has access to a hall in the Ashford area to come forward. Tthey would also like to hear from anyone who could help them re-decorate the nursery in time for the new year.