Firefighters have issued a safety message after a pan caught fire in a house in Eythorne.

The cooking had been left unattended by the occupant of the house in Church Hill.

Dover and Wingham crews were called at 2.20pm on Saturday to reports of smoke billowing out of the windows.

Jamie Muddle, watch manager, said: "Someone left a pan of food on and forgot about it and went out. Neighbours called in to say smoke was coming out of the window.

"By that time the person had come back and gave us the keys so we could ventilate the property and let it blow out.

"The pan of food was ruined."

Mr Muddle said the flames had stayed contained in the pan but had caused lots of smoke.

He also issued a safety warning for people to make sure ovens, hobs and electrics are switched off before leaving the house - or before going to bed.

He said: "If you're going to go out, check the cooker to make sure you have turned everything off. Turn anything off that you don't need. The same before you go to bed, go round and make sure things are unplugged, cookers off and oven off.

"If you get into a routine then it becomes habit and you're naturally safe."

He added to make sure there is a working smoke alarm in your home.