A family escaped a fire at their Canterbury home after smoke alarms alerted them to the blaze.

Firefighters arrived at the property in New House Close in Thannington at 7.55pm on Friday night where two adults and four children had already made it out of the building.

Reports from Kent Fire and Rescue say the property was well alight and flames could be seen coming from the roof. Fire crews entered wearing breathing apparatus.

Canterbury Watch Manager Sheridan Hudson-Peacock said: "Crews worked hard in difficult conditions to get the fire quickly under control and stop it spreading further.

"We were aided by the fact that internal doors were shut which made a big difference in limiting the fire to the room it started in.

"They had been given an early warning by the smoke alarm and it helped us that the occupier was able to meet us and direct us to the property so quickly.

"We hope that this incident will remind other residents to check that they have a working smoke alarm."

The upstairs of the property was smoke damaged and firefighters used a Positive Pressure Ventilation fan to remove the smoke and limit damage.

It's thought the fire was caused by a faulty electrical appliance, possibly a hairdryer.