Firefighters have warned residents to get chimneys swept before lighting fires after a blaze broke out on Tuesday night.

A mother and baby had to evacuate a house in Liverpool Road before making the call to Kent Fire and Rescue Service at 5pm.

Specialist chimney equipment was used to tackle the flames.

Crew manager Danny Yates said: “She did the right thing by getting out of the house.”

There was no damage to the property.

He added: “As the cold weather comes in, it’s important to get chimneys swept before lighting it.

“It should be done once a year.”