A disposable barbecue sparked a large garden blaze at a Maidstone home last night.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service were inundated with calls after a bin went up in flames in Hadlow Close, off Oakwood Park, shortly after 7pm.

The fire destroyed a fence and damaged the walls of the property and an adjoining house.

Crews spent almost an hour at the scene of the blaze, which was started by hot coals which were dumped in a plastic bin.

A building surveyor was also called to check the extent of the damage and the fire service will carry out a leaflet drop in the area to warn of the dangers associated with summer activities.