A taxi firm has praised the quick thinking of one of its drivers after his vehicle caught fire while taking a child to school.

Michael Harris was travelling from Deal to Sir Roger Manwood's in Sandwich with the girl when his Vauxhall Zafira Tourer encountered an issue.

It was in St George's Road when he noticed a small amount of smoke emerging from the bonnet.

As he turned into Manwood Road, flames lashed up on his windscreen.

Mr Harris swiftly stopped the car, got out and ensured the child was brought to safety, before the vehicle engulfed in flames.

It happened yesterday and co-director at A1 Castle Taxis, Bey Wood, has commended his actions, saying: "He jumped out and got the pupil out the back as quickly as he could.

"It was his quick thinking that ensured they were both safe."

Fire crews in one engine extinguished the blaze following a call at 9.20am and left the scene by 10am.

The car was recovered the same evening and the firm has now invested in a replacement vehicle while investigations into the car fault are conducted.

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