Homes and businesses across two Kent towns were left without electricity.

Engineers were called after the power cut in the Whitstable and Herne Bay areas this evening.

UK Power Networks says the power cut was reported to it shortly after 6pm.

An update shortly after 7.30pm said: "Our staff are checking our equipment throughout the area to pinpoint the issue on our underground cabling network.

"In addition to this, they are liaising closely with our control room to find safe and reliable ways to divert power around any problems and get everyone restored which they now hope to complete between 9.30pm and 10:30pm.

"We know that our customers may be worried about the food in the fridge and freezer, so we want to try and help with advice.

"Food should keep for up to six hours in the fridge, and between 15 to 24 hours in the freezer if you avoid opening them.

"We'll keep you updated on our engineers progress."

Earlier UK Power Networks told how engineers in its control room had switched some customers' power back on.

The majority of homes and businesses in the Whitstable area had power restored just before 9pm.

As of 9.10pm, there were still some households in the Herne Bay area that remained without a supply.