Firefighters have highlighted the dangers of candles following a flat fire in Northfleet early today.

Three fire engines were called to a property in The Hive at around 1am after receiving a 999 call from the owners.

The fire started when curtains caught alight from a nearby candle.

Firefighters extinguished the flames and prevented any damage to the property.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: "Luckily the owners were awake because otherwise it could have been a different story. People need to be aware of the dangers of candles, especially if they are near curtains."