A restaurant was evacuated this afternoon as fire crews tackled a blaze in the basement.

Two engines were sent to the Newnham Court Inn, off Bearsted Road, Maidstone, just before 1pm after a tumble-dryer went up in flames.

Diners were evacuated for 20 minutes while fire fighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the appliance and cleared smoke.

No one was injured and the premises is now open.