Health and safety inspectors have launched an investigation after two people needed hospital treatment when a stage collapsed.

Paramedics were called to the area outside the Ramsgate Tunnels ahead of the attraction's 80th anniversary celebrations yesterday.

Two people erecting the temporary stage were taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford after suffering head and back injuries.

The venue confirmed no members of the public were injured and the event - featuring performances from Dad's Army, Vera Lynn and George Formby tribute acts - went ahead unaffected.

Derek Smith, marketing officer for Ramsgate Tunnels, said: "The small outside stage came from Margate Town Team and the two people who suffered minor injuries were staff building the stage.

"I can say that it did happen while the stage was being constructed early in the morning outside the tunnels, no tunnels staff or volunteers were involved and no members of the public were injured or involved either.

"A replacement stage of similar size was put together and the show went on as normal and on time."

A spokesman for the ambulance service said two ambulances and three response cars were sent to Marine Terrace at around 11.15am.

The incident is now being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive, with a spokesman confirming the authority is "aware of the incident".

Police joined paramedics at the scene to assist ambulance crews.

A spokesman said: "Officers attended, where a small portable stage had collapsed and two people had suffered injuries, believed to be minor. A cordon was set up to ensure public safety."

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