A pensioner had to be given oxygen therapy after a fire broke out in his bathroom this morning.

Firefighters were called to a home in Cavendish Avenue, Gillingham, shortly after 8am to put out a small fire which is thought to have been caused by a discarded cigarette.

The elderly man was given oxygen after breathing in smoke and passed to the care of paramedics.

A smoke alarm alerted him to the fire and crews are reminding people to take extra care to ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished after use and are disposed of safety.

An ambulance service spokesman added: "One patient, reportedly suffering from smoke inhalation, was assessed, treated and then discharged at the scene."