Residents were advised to avoid part of a town following the outbreak of a large industrial blaze that generated thick plumes of black smoke.

Eight fire engines, a bulk water carrier and a height vehicle had been at the scene of the industrial complex in Alexandra Road, Margate.

Crews were called shortly before 5am and used main jets to extinguish the blaze which had shut the road in both directions between the A254 Ramsgate Road and Helena Avenue.

Photos from the scene showed thick plumes of smoke billowing into the air and over neighbouring homes.

The front of the unit, which adjoins an MOT centre, sustained serious damage and partially collapsed.

Initially a spokesperson for the fire service advised people living or travelling near Alexandra Road, to stay well away.

However, as from 3.30pm, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) announced that the fire was out and they were leaving the scene.

A spokesman said the service had used its latest recruit - a fire-fighting robot to help tackle the blaze.

The robot can record video, has thermal capabilities to check where the hotspots are, and uses audio to speak to people. It can give instructions and can even help remove people from areas with a stretcher.

It’s also capable of helping to fight the fires with a hose attachment that can spray up to 2,000 litres of water a minute.

It can be controlled remotely from a safe distance - up to 600m away.

Earlier advice for people to avoid the area has now been lifted.

No injuries were reported.

KFRS said the cause of the blaze was as yet unknown.

Properties in several roads in the area are still without power.

UK Power Networks said that a fault has occurred on an underground electricity cable and the road will need to be dug up to carry out repairs.

They estimate that power will be restored to the area between 5 and 6pm today.