An elderly woman was rescued by firefighters after a blaze at her home in Strood.

The pensioner was at home with her husband in Dart Close when the couple decided to cook something for lunch under the grill.

However, after lighting the grill it is understood the door to it was closed by accident and the food and oil on the grill pan caught alight and filled their home with smoke.

A crew from the town were called out at about noon to rescue the 72-year-old woman from inside and to put out the flames.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The grill and the kitchen had filled up with smoke and pensioner suffered with some breathing problems and so needed help getting out of the home and with her breathing.

“Firefighter Kevin Mitton picked up the woman and carried her outside and we gave her some oxygen until the ambulance arrived.”

It is understood the pensioner was then taken to Medway Maritime Hospital to get checked over.