THICK black smoke could be seen billowing from a Benfleet trading estate following a scrap yard blaze.

Firefighters from Canvey and Rayleigh Weir were called to Manor Trading Estate after a pile of scrap was set alight.

A mechanical digger was needed at the scene to assist in the operation, and crews used one main jet and two additional hoses to dampen the flames.

Firefighters were called to the blaze at 5.20pm and spent one hour and forty minutes tackling the incident.

They remained at the scene until 7.30pm ensuring the site was safe.