A blocked chimney sparked a fire at a popular pub.

Staff at the Five Pointed Star, in West Malling, dialed 999 today after their chimney caught alight.

Two crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the High Street business shortly after 10.50am.

They spent just under an hour tackling the blaze, which is believed to have been caused by a build-up of particles from the last time the fireplace was used.

No injures were reported and the pub opened as usual.

Manager Bridgett Lindsey said: "It was a bit chilly this morning so we thought we'd light the fire but we accidentally set alight to our chimney. Everything is fine now, though.

"The firefighters were fantastic. I can't praise them enough. They put sheets down and just got it sorted for us.

"I'm not sure what happened as we only recently had a new liner put in the chimney but the main thing is no one was hurt and we're open as normal."

The team left the scene at 11.40am.