People in north Kent have been left holding their noses after an acrid stench wafted across the area.

Residents yesterday reported being unable to leave their homes or breathe without grimacing because of the "atrocious" smell.

But environmental experts have revealed the pong was caused by muck spreading as the wind changed direction.

It could be smelt across Dartford throughout the day by people in Greenhithe, Hawley, South Darenth, Sutton-at-Hone and Wilmington.

Dartford Council's environmental health team was investigating the cause, but - after speaking to the sewage farm and eliminating all other possibilities - put it down to muck spreading.

"It reeks and is so strong in Temple Hill that it makes you want to vomit..." - Sarah Birchard

A spokeswoman said: "It's that time of year I'm afraid. It became clear to our environmental health team that it was manure as people across the borough began to smell it as the wind changed direction."

The mystery might be solved, but it left many people crippled by the stench yesterday.

Carley Demmon wrote on Facebook: "I did wonder what it was. It smells like camels! It's been making me heave all afternoon!"

Sarah Birchard said: "It reeks and is so strong in Temple Hill that it makes you want to vomit."

Karen Dalton, who said she could not leave the house without a struggle yesterday, said: "Just been outside my back door and the smell is atrocious! Get it sorted someone please - It's awful!"

And Shirley Sargeant said: "It smells like pig manure but burnt. Yuk, it's acrid."

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