A FAMILY home had to be evacuated after an old sports pavilion next to the property went up in flames.

Retained firefighters from Chatham helped crews from Medway and Strood douse the fire in Bournville Avenue, Chatham, just after 8pm last night.

The homeowner, who has not been named, watched in horror as the fire came close to his garage which contained a Ferrari.

A spokesman from Medway fire and rescue said no one was hurt and their priority was to get the family out safely. He said: "When we arrived the pavilion was well alight.

The flames were shooting up high in the air. We were worried about the flames spreading to the house next door so we got them outside."

The fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately, took just under two hours to put out. Police are believed to be investigating the cause.