Around 20 firefighters tackled a blaze which was well alight and affecting the first floor and roof of a home in East Sutton.

Crews were called at around 8.40pm last night to the derelict Maidstone home.

They used main jets and specialist compressed air foam.

The foam forms a protective layer that repels radiated heat and can prevent fire spread.

It is particularly useful in rural areas where the water supplies may be limited or some distance from the location of the fire.

Its firefighting properties are seven times wetter than water and only 5% water is needed to make it work.