People are being warned to always watch what they are cooking following a fire at a flat in Dover.

Two fire crews were called to St John's Road just after 10.10pm last night after a neighbour raised the alarm.

When fire-fighters arrived they found a man in his 50s who had put bacon in a pan and left the room.

It was only the smell of burning that alerted him and when he opened his kitchen door, was confronted with a smoke-filled room.

Dover Watch Manger Tony Scott said: "The man then attempted to put the fire out himself and had to be given oxygen therapy by crews as he had breathed in lots of smoke.

"More fires start in the kitchen than anywhere else in the home which is why you should never leave your cooking unattended.

"If fire does break out in your kitchen, turn the heat off if it is safe to do so, get out of your home closing doors behind you and call the fire service on 999. Never try to tackle a fire yourself."

Firefighters will be visiting neighbouring properties giving fire safety advice.

For more information call 0800 923 7000 or visithttp://www.3breaths.info/ or http://www.standbyyourpan.info/