Pub landlords have been praised for bringing firefighters food and hot drinks during a blaze at a nearby home.

Around 30 officers were tackling a fire in Teston Road, Offham, West Malling on Saturday night when the owners of The Kings Arms provided their support.

Crew members were offered the use of their toilets and they gave out Thai food and hot drinks.

Firefighters from the emergency service headed back to the boozer yesterday to offer their thanks.

A spokesman said: "Firefighters who tackled a house fire in Teston Road, West Malling, on Saturday night, popped back to The Kings Arms to thank the owners for their support during the incident.

"The pub opened its doors to provide toilet facilities, hot drinks and Thai food to more than 30 fire officers at the scene.

"The crews were very grateful as they worked through the night to bring the fire under control."

Since the blaze more than £19,000 has been raised to help a couple whose home was devastated by the fire.

Large parts were destroyed by the flames and one person suffered burns and smoke inhalation.

It started in the roof at about 7pm and at one point needed seven fire engines to tackle it.

The pub, with the help of Offham Parish Council, helped to raise more than £19,000.

Organiser of the online fundraiser, Matthew Scullion, said: “As everyone knows, we are a very close community and a terrible disaster has turned two people’s lives in the village around, losing their house to a fire.

"We would like to help support them as much as we can. We know whatever we do won’t be enough but any little helps.

“They have not just lost a house they lived in for over 50 years but also all their possessions and memories.

“Every little will help with the burden, even if it’s to pay the bills of turning the electric and gas off from the building costing close to two grand.”

Brave punters who were in the pub at the time sprang into action before the emergency services arrived at the scene.

Teston Road was closed for several hours as crews battled the flames.

By 10.12pm, four fire engines and the height vehicle remained.

One fire engine was still at the house on Sunday morning.