Long queues have cleared after a crash on the M26 this morning that has left a van driver seriously injured.

The man, from Medway, was cut free from his vehicle after the smash with another van that closed the London-bound carriageway between J3 of the M20 and J5 of the M25 for more than four hours.

The driver was airlifted to London's King's College Hospital with what are believed to be serious, but not life-threatening injuries. He is said to be in a stable condition.

Three other people were taken to a local hospital with what were believed to be minor injuries.

Kent Police said one van ended up on the grass bank of the M26 and the second in lane two of the two-lane carriageway.

The collision, at about 6.40am, caused heavy delays into the afternoon as traffic was diverted onto the M20 and the M25 clockwise.

Queues of more than 1,000 vehicles earlier snaked back as far as J5 of the M20 at Aylesford.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service crews also attended.