A Maidstone bingo hall was damaged in a fire yesterday morning.

Crews from Maidstone, Strood and Larkfield were called to Gala Bingo in Lower Stone Street at about 10.15am.

The blaze, which was caused by an electrical fault in a light box at the entrance to the venue, had been extinguished by the time firefighters arrived.

Crews smashed through a front door to enter the building and clear it of smoke.

The venue was closed when fire broke out and no one was injured.

Although the entrance to the building was damaged in the blaze, the venue opened for business as usual later in the day and will remain open.

Firefighters were stood down at 10.28am.