Rush hour motorists can expect long delays after a lorry caught alight on the M20.

Police closed two lanes Londonbound of the motorway between junctions eight (Leeds Castle) and nine (Ashford).

That caused delays stretching back around 12 miles, and leaving motorists with a frustrating 90 minute tailback.

Thick plumes of smoke were seen near the fire, just after 1.30pm today, after the articulated lorry carrying bananas caught alight.

Fire crews used hose reels, two sets of breathing apparatus and three fire pumps to tackle the blaze.

A Highways Agency spokesman said recovery specialists were on scene this evening removing both the lorry and its banana load.

She said staff were doing "all we can" to highlight any repairs needed and to fully reopen the road.

One of the two affected lanes reopened at around 6pm.