DRIVERS faced severe rush-hour delays when the M20 was almost completely closed in both directions during rush-hour on Wednesday evening as firefighters tackled a blazing articulated lorry.

Just one lane, going London-bound, remained open between junctions 7, near Detling, and 8, near Hollingbourne after fire broke out aboard the Dutch-registered lorry and trailer at about 3.30pm.

The burning wreckage blocked three lanes of the coastbound carriageway just north of junction 8, near Hollingbourne. Thick smoke drifting across the road made conditions hazardous for motorists coming in the other direction.

Traffic began building up immediately and severe tailbacks were reported. Roads in and around Maidstone were jammed as firefighting continued into the early evening.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service sent six appliances plus foam and water units and other support vehicles to the scene where crews found flames and smoke pouring from the lorry.

Crews set to work on the lorry, which is thought to have been carrying a cargo of plastics, using eight sets of breathing apparatus two main jets and one hose reel.

There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire was out by 8pm and the police and Highways Agency reopened most of the motorway at about 9.30pm.

The hard shoulder and lane one of the coastbound carriageway was damaged and will remain closed until it has been resurfaced.