Attempts to burn a wasp nest caused a fire at a family home.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to a family home in Bowens Field, Ashford, where one of the occupants had tried to remove the nest by burning it.

The wasp nest was in ivy growing close to the house. However the burning got out of control and set fire to the ivy before spreading to the roof of the property.

A brigade spokesman said: "When crews arrived they found all occupants of the property safely outside.

"They used a hose reel jet to extinguish the small fire and checked for hot spots with a thermal imaging camera."

The fire, at about 6.30pm on Saturday, caused a small amount of damage to the ivy growth and the soffit and facia of the roof of the property. There were no reported injuries.

Firefighters have urged homeowners to always seek professional advice for pest control and to never attempt to burn anything or use naked flames close to their property.