dbloom@thekmgroup.co.uk

Flames spread through a bungalow after its elderly owner used a tea towel to smother an electrical fire.

Fire crews from New Romney, Lydd, Hythe and Dymchurch were called to an 85-year-old woman's home in Windsor Mews, New Romney, yesterday at 2.45pm.

The kitchen and utility room were damaged by smoke and the heat melted the glass conservatory roof.

The pensioner was alerted to the fire in her toaster by a smoke alarm.

She tried to smother it with a tea towel before leaving the house and calling residents for help.

Bottles of chemicals which were being stored above the toaster also caught alight.

The Red Cross charity organised temporary accommodation for the victim and helped board up her windows.