A family had a lucky escape when their smoke alarm alerted them to a fire in their kitchen.

The family from Horsmonden were woken by the alarm going off late on Saturday night after a laundry basket was left on top of a hob which was then accidentally switched on.

A man, who carried the basket outside when it was alight, was treated for burns.

Ken Collins, crew manager from Paddock Wood fire station, said: "The family’s working smoke alarm alerted them to the fire and so they were able to escape safety.

"However this incident is a good reminder to everyone never to leave anything flammable near cookers or heaters, and to avoid tackling fires themselves. Our message is to get out and call the fire service."