A WOMAN driver died today following a collision on the M26 motorway in Kent.

The accident occurred at about 12.30am when a Renault car was in collision with a Mercedes van on the London-bound carriageway a quarter of a mile short of the M25 junction near Sevenoaks.

Firefighters attended the scene to free the trapped passengers but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The motorway was closed for six hours, causing delays for early morning drivers. The road was reopened at 7am.

The driver of the van was arrested following the accident.