An industrial woodchipper and piles of woodchips caught alight in an overnight.

Crews were called to the fire on Plant Fort Road, Tilbury, at around 2.30am this morning.

A mechanical digger was used to move the unaffected woodchippings away from the fire to prevent the flames spreading.

The accidental fire was put out at around 5.40am.

A spokesman for the fire service, said: "Firefighters were called to a fire involving an industrial woodchipper.

"Fire crews reported that the woodchipper and surrounding piles of woodchips were alight.

"Crews worked hard to extinguish the fire. A mechanical digger was used to move the unaffected woodchippings away from the fire to prevent further spread.

"The fire was extinguished at 5:40am. The cause of the fire was found to be accidental."