Fire crews battled a blaze which destroyed an elderly family's mobile home on Saturday evening, shortly before they planned to go on holiday.

People could see the smoke from the fire in Lenton Close, Gravesend, from as far as Shorne Marshes.

Lee Murray, Thames-side blue watch manager, said the crews could see the smoke as their two pumps set out from the station in Coldharbour Road, Northfleet at about 6pm.

He said: "We were there for about 45 minutes. It was well alight when we arrived. Investigations are ongoing as to how it was started.

"There was one main garage that was also damaged, other garages just suffered heat damage."

He urged people to make sure sufficient electrical and engine checks were carried out, and smoke alarms fitted, before they went on holiday.

He added: "The family were devastated. It was a lovely motor home as well. I would just really like to emphasise the importance of carrying out proper checks on mobile homes and having smoke alarms fitted in them."