A family of seven escaped from a minivan that was billowing with smoke - just moments before it burst into flames.

The driver stopped the van after he noticed smoke rising from the engine as it was travelling along the A2 towards Dover.

He pulled over near the Bridge turn-off, and the group - which included two young children - evacuated the van.

Just moments later, it was engulfed by flames.

Fire crews from Dover and Chilham were called to the scene at 10.30am, and police closed the coastbound carriageway between the A2050 and the A260 junction for Barham.

There were long tailbacks while firefighters wearing breathing apparatus worked to put the fire out using a hosereel.

The minibus, which belonged to a church in Essex, was completely destroyed in the blaze.

Watch manager Paul Grave said: "Luckily, everyone was evacuated in time and nobody was hurt.destroyed in the blaze.

"The police took the family to the nearest point of safety. The cause of the fire is not known."

The road has now re-opened to traffic.