Firefighters are urging people to "stand by their pan" after being called to a blaze which started when sausages were left sizzling unattended.

The fire happened at 8.18pm last night in Linden Road, Coxheath, and involved crews using breathing apparatus and a hose reel.

A grill pan caught light after a man left the snack cooking and went out of the room.

Crew manager Dominic Moore said: "The occupant had been cooking sausages and left the room. When he returned he discovered the blaze and called 999 before leading his elderly mother to safety."

"This incident highlights some important safety messages, firstly never leave cooking unattended. Secondly, if you are unlucky enough to have a fire in your home don’t tackle it yourself as you could be injured. Get out, stay out and call the fire service out."

No-one was hurt, but the cooker was destroyed and kitchen units damaged by the fire.

Crews have been giving out safety advice to neighbours, including to turn the heat off if you leave the room; turn saucepan handles so that they don’t stick out and keep your oven, hob and grill clean, as a build-up of fat and grease can easily catch fire.