A shed burnt down this afternoon after residents put ashes from a log burner inside it without making sure they had cooled down sufficiently first.

Firefighters were called to a house in Woodlea, Leybourne, at about 1.20pm by a woman who looked out of her kitchen window and saw the shed was on fire.

Two fire engines from Larkfield and Borough Green were sent to the home and put the blaze out but were unable to save the shed.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has now issued a warning reminding people to dispose of hot ashes carefully.

Julian Hartley, Larkfield crew manager, said: "It appears the residents thought the ashes from their log burner were sufficiently cool to store in their garden shed. Unfortunately, ashes that appear cool on the outside are often hot deep inside and can retain the heat for a considerable time. The ashes smouldered slowly spreading to logs and patio furniture stored in the shed.

"It’s always advisable to douse ashes and embers with cold water, then store them in a metal bin, away from sheds, fences and buildings until they are completely cool enough to be emptied onto bare soil."

Fire crews left the property at about 1.45pm.