A family of seven fled a house after a freak accident involving a curtain and a candle last night.

A bedroom at the home in Folkestone caught alight when a curtain, blown by wind, came into contact with a candle flame.

Now firefighters are warning people to take extra care with candles to prevent other blazes.

Crew manager Mick Burgess said: "The candle set fire to the curtain as it was flapping about, being blown.

"The household had no smoke alarm and the occupants were alerted by a neighbour who saw the flames coming out of the window."

Two fire engines from the Folkestone station were called to the property in Heritage Road, Cheriton, at just before 8.10pm.

The family, who had been downstairs, got out in time and unharmed.

Firefighters needed to use breathing apparatus and a hosereel to tackle the flames as well as a ventilation fan to clear the smoke. There were at the scene for an hour.

The fire did not spread beyond the bedroom, but damage there was extensive from smoke and half the room was damaged by fire.

Mr Burgess said the candle had not been directly under the curtains but close enough to come into contact when the curtains were moved by the wind.

Householders are warned not to leave candles unattended and to keep them in a holder, completely away from flammable materials.

They say everyone should also have a smoke alarm and test it every week.