More than 800 people were evacuated from a hotel when fire broke out in a bedroom early today (Monday).

Thirty firefighters tackled the blaze at the Grand Burstin overlooking Folkestone Harbour.

All 800 guests, some disabled and in wheelchairs, plus around 16 members of staff were evacuated.

The fire was spotted at 12.30am by a passerby who saw smoke coming from a second floor window and alerted hotel staff who began the evacuation.

The guest staying in the room was not in it at the time.

The cause of the blaze was a tea light left alight on top of a televison which burnt through and set fire to the television.

Watch manager Giles Parker, from Folkestone fire station, said: “Tea lights are fine if used correctly and placed on a saucer or proper holder.

“They should not be left unattended or put on flamable surfaces.”

The fire was contained to the bedroom and part of the corridor was affected by smoke.

Mr Parker said: “The design of the hotel is such that it has concrete floors and ceilings so that helped contain the fire. The room was also in a section at the end of a corridor near the fire escape which made it easier for us to get to.”

Crews wore breathing apparatus to tackle the fire. Those evacuated remained outside until given the all clear by firefighters when they were initially allowed back into the hotel dining room, and then into their rooms apart from about 10 affected by smoke damage.

Firefighters left the hotel around 3am.