A spillage of more than 600 litres of diesel threatened to destroy fishing lakes at Bearsted when it got into the waterways.

The incident happened when a lorry was involved in a multi-vehicle accident during deteriorating weather on the M20 near Maidstone.

More than 600 litres of diesel were spilt and made its way through the motorway drainage system, down the Lilk Stream and into the top of Majors Lakes fishery at Bearsted.

Environment Agency officers were swiftly dispatched to reduce the harmful effects of the oil. Oil booms were successfully deployed to contain the spill and minimise the damage.

Jan Leslie, spokeswoman for the Environment Agency, said: "We respond quickly to eliminate the threat posed by this serious pollution.

"Due to our prompt efforts the impact of the pollution of the environmentally sensitive waterways has been greatly reduced, and was prevented from spreading across the fishing lakes.

"If this oil had got into the water there'd have been a big ecological disaster.

"Surveys of the affected stretch of river will take place to assess the impact of any ecological impact over coming weeks.”

The accident happened at the end of last week, during the bad weather.

People are encouraged to report any instances of pollution to the EA incident hotline on 0800 807060.