EIGHT fire tenders were called to a blaze at a paper factory at Larkfield, near Maidstone, last night.

The Kent Fire and Rescue Service received reports of a fire in a bailing machine at the premises of D S Smith Packaging in Sheldon Way just after 6pm.

The firefighters had to employ 12 breathing apparatus units, two water jets and two hose-reel jets to contain the flames.

The machine and 10 metres of conveyor belt were destroyed and 20 per cent of the building was damaged by smoke, but there were no reports of injuries.

The flames were extinguished and all made safe by midnight.