An elderly woman was rescued by firefighters after a fire broke out in her flat.

The pensioner, who was bed-bound, managed to raise the alarm after the blaze started in a bin.

Crews from Rochester and Strood were called out shortly before 9am to John Street, Rochester, and had to force entry to the property.

Using breathing apparatus, firefighters then carried the pensioner to safety before putting the fire out.

A special fan was also used to clear smoke from the flat. It is understood the fire may have been started by a discarded cigarette.

A fire service spokesman said: “The small fire is believed to have started after a cigarette was discarded into a metal waste bin setting fire to rubbish.

“The woman was handed into the care of the ambulance service and duty of care for the flat left with the housing association.

“We would like to remind smokers to be extra careful when discarding cigarettes.

“Please make sure they are completely out and cold before putting them in a bin.”