Residents are being warned to keep their cookers clear after a tea towel caused a kitchen fire in Ashford.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at a flat in Billington Grove, Willesborough this morning.

Two fire engines were at the scene at around 7.22am, and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.

No casualties were reported, and the incident was dealt with within half an hour.

It was later discovered that a tea towel had been left on top of the hob in the kitchen, which was accidentally switched on, causing the cloth to catch alight.

A Kent Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: "We would remind residents to remember to always keep flammable items well away from cookers, and not to use ovens or grills for storage.

"Also, keeping cooking appliances clean can help to remove the build-up of fat and grease, which could cause a fire."

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford