A fire which broke out at a children's centre in the early hours has forced it to close indefinitely.

Firefighters were called to Newington Children's Centre on Princess Margaret Avenue, Ramsgate, at approximately 4.30am, as the blaze spread through to the Growing Together Nursery.

Kent County Council say the substantial damage caused by the fire means the property will be closed until further notice.

Matt Dunkley, KCC's corporate director for children, young people and education, said: "We appreciate this will be a difficult time for children, families and staff and we will endeavour to reopen the children’s centre as soon as it is safe to do so."

He added: "Staff will be putting a sign on the gate soon with contact details so families can call for the latest information."

The Newington Primary School, which is located on the same site as the centre, was not affected by the fire and will remain open as normal.

Kent Fire & Rescue Service have confirmed no one was injured in the fire, the cause of which is not yet known.

The Growing Together Nursery is part of the Thanet Early Years Project, which offers day care services across Ramsgate.

The council said the project hopes to offer sessions in different locations, but some will have to be cancelled.

To keep up to date with rescheduled sessions an announcements on the re-opening of the centre, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet