A quick-thinking schoolboy who averted disaster after he discovered fire had broken out at his home is the first nomination for the latest Pride in Medway awards.

Jack Gove’s mum had just popped out for a moment and he was busy playing on his iPad at the family home when he smelt smoke and heard crackling sounds coming from the kitchen.

Jack, 11, who was in his final year at Cedar Primary in Strood at the time and starts at Strood Academy next month, approached the kitchen door. Instead of opening it, he put his ear up to it and could hear crackling.

He then went outside and looked though the kitchen window to see the room full of smoke.

The quick-thinking youngster then ran to his neighbour and knocked on her door, and she was able to dial 999.

As firefighters arrived at the scene at Yantlet Drive, Strood, Jack’s mum, Rae Cook, who was just yards away walking family pet Burt the bulldog, came home to discover what had happened.

Martin Simmons, Strood fire station watch manager, said: “I am nominating him in the young heroes category of the Pride in Medway Awards.

“He deserves to be recognised.

“He did all the right things and he kept the door closed and went outside and saw the flames through the window and raised the alarm, and was able to get himself out of the property unharmed.

“Jack was very sensible and absolutely did all the right things. He deserves to be praised for his actions.”

The fire started after a basket of washing was left on top of a cooker, and it is thought the cooker may have accidentally been switched on.

The flames spread to an extractor fan in the kitchen and caused smoke damage to the room. But, because of Jack’s quick thinking, the fire was contained to the kitchen.

Mrs Cook said: “I am very proud. Myself and his dad, Graham, are extremely happy he’s been nominated for an award.

“He did get treated by us at the time, and we got him a Euro 2016 match football.

“I am still waiting for my new kitchen to arrive and have been managing with a steamer, a microwave and a slow cooker, but it could have been a lot worse if it was not for Jack.”