Firefighters had to evacuate 30 pensioners from a retirement home after a fire in a first floor flat.

Two fire engines from Folkestone and Dymchurch were called to the blaze at Mackeson Court in Military Road, Hythe, at 11.20am today.

Watch manager Vic Thorogood said: "It was quite a severe fire caused by some unattended cooking left on the hob.

"There was severe fire and heat damage to the flat but the fire was extinguised by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and carrying a hose reel."

"We would encourage everyone to take care when cooking and check your smoke alarms."

An ambulance was called but the residents were unharmed. The occupant of the flat was out at the time of the fire.