A lorry carrying Thomas the Tank Engine crashed with a van this morning, causing large tailbacks.

The 75 ton HGV lorry, which was carrying the popular children's locomotive to Tenterden, was in an accident with the Transit van at 7am.

Drivers reported tailbacks of up to 45 minutes around the crash scene at the junction of A28 Hastings Road with the A268 to Newenden. It is not known if there were any serious injuries.

Police are diverting traffic from Northiam to Tenterden.

Thomas the Tank Engine is due to be the star attraction for children at Kent and East Sussex Railway at Tenterden Town Station for "A Day out with Thomas" this weekend.