Several fire crews were called to a machine blaze at Drytec in Tonbridge this afternoon.

Four engines spent two hours at the Morley Road deodorant company fighting flames.

A strong scent of perfume has filled the air in the wake of the blaze.

Crews were called at 12.15pm and officers wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel jet, hydrant and foam to tackle the blaze.

An aerial appliance was used to inspect the roof for hot spots while a fog spike, which punches holes in the building and sprays jets of water inside to reduce the temperature, was also in operation.

Two ambulances attended the blaze and a man in his 50s was taken to Tunbridge Wells Hospital with signs of smoke inhalation.

Police have confirmed it is not being treated as suspicious.

The factory produces fragrances used in deodorant and flavours for food.

Drytec hit the headlines last year after Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council served it with a number of abatement notices connected to the emission of 'sickly sweet' aromas for more than 20 years.

On Monday the dispute was resolved days before a five-day trial was due to commence.

Drytec agreed to withdraw its appeals and to meet the council's incurred legal and expert costs, which amount to £38,848.

The withdrawal of the appeals mean the abatement notices remain fully in force.

In the event of a breach the borough council may look to bring criminal proceedings.

A TMBC spokesman said the number of complaints about the odour from Drytec have reduced in recent months.