Crews responded to a vehicle fire yesterday only to find they were battling to save someone's home.

The converted Iveko van was gutted by flames after a home-built log burner set light to some clothes which had been hung up to dry next to it.

Two appliances were sent to the scene in Old Whetsted Road near Paddock Wood at 2.30pm.

Officers had to use hydraulic cutting equipment to force entry to the padlocked property and once inside used a high pressure hose, fog spike and fan to tackle flames.

A third of the van was destroyed by the blaze, with water and smoke rendering the rest of the dwelling uninhabitable.

The owner returned home during efforts to save the van, with a team from the red cross sent to provide support.