A family had a lucky escape after an electrical fire broke out at their home.

Karen Bennett and her husband Ryan had to rescue their two children and two dogs after being alerted to the blaze by smoke alarms at their home in Queensway, Sheerness.

Sheppey firefighters were called to the semi-detached property at 3am on Friday after the fuse box over-heated and caught fire in a cupboard under the stairs.

Mrs Bennett, 32, said: "My husband came running up and the hallway was full of smoke.

"He shouted to me and I got the kids and the animals outside and we phoned the fire brigade straight away."

Although they were able to rescue their two dogs, Mrs Bennett had to leave behind her "pride and joy" - her three pet snakes which live in a tank near the cupboard.

However, she said they went into hibernation mode because of the smoke and were unharmed.

Damage was limited to the inside of the cupboard but Sheppey crew manager, Jim Ashby, said it could have been a lot worse.

He said: "When we arrived there was a strong smell of electrical burning.

"They were quite fortunate it didn't take hold and the smoke alarm went off."

The Bennetts had thought they would have to be re-housed while engineers carried out repairs, but they were able to stay at home.

They were without power until about 1.20pm on Friday, when some equipment was replaced by engineers from UK Power Networks. They will also need a new electricity meter.

Mrs Bennett said they are still quite shaken up by it and the children - Chloe, 11, and Cameron, nine - were panicking.

She added: "We were very lucky and I would like to make everybody else aware of what could happen without smoke alarms.

"A would like to say a big thank-you to everyone for their quick response.

"They worked really hard - the firefighters, UK Power Networks and AmicusHorizon."

Mrs Bennett also thanked her husband as it was him who heard the smoke alarm.

• Kent Fire and Rescue Service offers free home fire safety visits, where they will give advice and fit smoke alarms if required. Phone 0800 923 7000.