A swimming pool had to close after a chlorine leak – just as the school holidays got under way.

Fire crews were called to Cascades Leisure Centre, Thong Lane, Gravesend, at 10.30pm yesterday.

The pool remained closed today on what was expected to be one of the hottest days of the year so far, but was expected to re-open as soon as it had been given the all-clear by plant engineers.

Ambulance crews were put on standby today, but did not attend.

A Kent Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "We were called out to a chemical drum that had a spillage in the swimming pool plant room. The building was evacuated as a precaution.

"Crews in chemical suits removed the chemical and handed back to building management at about 1am."

A Gravesham council spokesman said: "There was a chemical incident at Cascades Leisure Centre about 10pm last night.

"The incident was in the pool plant room and involved a chemical reaction in the system. The fire and rescue service was called. The pool was empty at the time.

"The pool remains closed this morning as a precautionary measure. The water has been replaced and the chemicals changed. Suppliers are coming to site to investigate the incident."