A stray firework kicked off the New Year in all the wrong ways as celebrations went far from smoothly when a house was set alight.

Firefighters were called to a property in Wilson Avenue, Deal, last night, after a firework hit the front of the building and started a blaze.

The crews used a hose reel jet to put out the flames and a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear the smoke.

They received the emergency call just before 9pm and were able to leave the area about 20 minutes later.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service urged anyone setting of fireworks for any celebration to always take great care with the setting up and lighting of fireworks.