A woman has suffered serious burns after her clothing caught alight while she was cooking.

The woman, in her 50, is described as having 20% burns to her back after the fire last night.

The blaze broke out in the kitchen of her home in The Street, Mereworth, last night while she was using her gas stove.

Meanwhile, fire crews were called to three other kitchen fires in Tunbridge Wells, Dover and Margate last night.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is now warning people to be careful when cooking.

Head of community safety Stuart Skilton said: "A moment's distraction in the kitchen can cause disaster, as fires can start very quickly and cause damage or injury.

"Another common cause of fires is dirty grill pans and cooking appliances, as a build up of grease and fat can overheat and ignite easily."

For free fire safety advice, phone 0800 9237000 or visit www.standbyyourpan.com.