Emergency services were called after a limousine carrying more than a dozen school children caught fire on the Wainscott Bypass.

Year 6 leavers from Shears Green Junior School in Gravesend were on their way to a bowling party to celebrate the end of term when the blaze took hold.

The car burst into flames at 4.12pm, but police confirmed no one was injured.

Jacqui Alexander-Smith, whose daughter Hadleigh, 11, was caught up in the incident, said: "It was their last day at junior school today so all the mums chipped in to get them a treat.

"A black limo picked up the boys and there was a pink one for the girls. They were all very excited and off they went along with one of the mums. We went ahead to the bowling alley to meet them, next thing we know, we got a call saying the car had caught fire.

"It was very scary for them but after the initial shock I think they were quite excited, especially at the prospect of being in the paper."

The 36-year-old, of Springhead Park, Northfleet, added: "They all got here eventually and even though we started an hour and a half late AMF Bowling in Gravesend have been absolutely fantastic."

A police spokesman said: "Officers attended and provided assistance to crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service."

The cause of the blaze is not yet known.