Firefighters have issued a warning about disposing of hot barbecue coals after a blaze in Ashford.

Coals put on a compost heap set leaves alight and spread to destroy two fence panels, a garden shed, a greenhouse and a tree last night (Saturday).

Crew manager Jason Hills, from Ashford fire station, said the fire started in Tadworth Road, Kennington.

"A man put the barbecue coals on his compost heap after cooling the coals but not sufficiently," he said.

"The coals set fire to the leaves and spread to a tree and other property. The man was unaware of this as he had gone inside and the alarm was raised by a neighbour who saw the tree alight."

Mr Hills added: "People should ensure coals are sufficiently cooled before disposing of them."

Crews from Ashford and Chilham stations tackled the fire which took about an hour.