Three people were saved from a fire after a neighbour heard their smoke alarm.

Fire crews were called to the blaze in Goddington Lane, Harrietsham, at about 5am yesterday.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus searched the property and crews led an elderly woman to safety. Two other people, a mother and son, were also led to safety by the neighbour who had raised the alarm.

Lenham crew manager Bruce Mathews said: "I am certain that without the smoke alarm providing vital early warning of the fire, we would have been facing a far more serious incident. The neighbour’s prompt actions in calling out the fire service probably saved the lives of these people."

The fire is believed to have started when an electric blanket caught alight in an upstairs bedroom. Crews managed to contain the fire to the bed and mattress; however the blaze caused considerable smoke damage in the bedroom and upstairs landing of the cottage.