A man was hospitalised after a kitchen blazed caused by paper which had been left on an electric hob.

Fire crews have issued a warning to homeowners around the county after the man, in his 50s, ended up in hospital suffering from smoke inhalation after the fire at his Canterbury home.

Crews were called to the property in St Albans Road in Hersden just after 6pm last night where they discovered paper had been left on the electric hob ring, which was accidentally switched on, and caused the paper to burn.

The man was given oxygen therapy by firefighters and then took himself to hospital after initially refusing further medical treatment.

The property's kitchen suffered smoke and heat damage.

The blaze has prompted firefighters to urge people to keep the tops of their cookers and hobs free and clean from clutter and to avoid using them as storage.

They also said that tea-towels can be hazardous items around the hob area and can often be left too close to the gas or electric rings - which can also lead to fires.

A spokesman said: "If you need some home safety advice, please call our home safety team - you may even be eligible for a free Safe and Well visit - 0800 923 7000."