Firefighters have praised the quick thinking of a member of a grounds maintenance team who helped avert a potential tragedy.

Dave Francis, a member of the team at Bearsted Caravan Club, heard a smoke alarm from one of the mobile homes and immediately went to investigate.

Mr Francis grabbed a fire extinguisher and called the fire service on his way to the tourer, just before 11am.

He said: "As soon as I spotted the flames through the window, I gained access and used the extinguisher to tackle the fire.

"The fire crew arrived in no time, they were absolutely brilliant, making sure the fire was completely out and that all the gas and electricity supplies were isolated."

Mr Francis is being praised for his efforts, as the fire could easily have got out of control in the confined space.

Firefighters were at the scene on Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, for approximately 25 minutes.

The fire is believed to have started after a washing up bowl was left on top of a cooker which was turned on.

Dominic Moore, Kent Fire and Rescue Service crew manager, said: "Fires can spread easily in a confined space, fed by the many flammable materials that are part of the structure of a caravan and its contents.

"Accidents can and do happen, but please don't store items on top of cookers. My other advice would be to make sure you have working smoke alarms, they are the real life-savers in every property."

The fire service will be returning to the caravan club in the coming days to talk to owners about fire safety.