Pub staff have been praised after their quick thinking actions prevented a kitchen fire from getting out of control.

Barman Craig Shaw and head chef Callyn Wallis were on shift at the Hasting Arms in Gillingham on last night when the deep fat fryer caught alight.

The pair sprang into action, evacuating the pub and calling 999.

They attempted to tackle the blaze themselves and their actions stopped the flames from spreading to the rest of the pub.

Landlord Colin Tilbrook said: “Thanks to the quick actions of a couple of customers and two members of staff, there were no injuries and the damage has been contained and is minimal.

“I’m really pleased that everything we’ve got in place worked, the staff’s training paid off.”

He added: “Obviously there’s smoke damage which needs to be cleared up and the fryer has been completely destroyed.”

Mr Tilbrook estimated that there would have been around 20 to 25 people in the pub, including a metal detectors club who meet every Thursday, the ladies’ darts team as well as a few regulars.

Firefighters were called to the pub in Lower Rainham Road just before 9pm and were on scene for around an hour.

Paul Nash, the watch manager for Medway, said: “We want to praise the bar staff and kitchen staff for evacuating the pub and attempting to tackle the fire.”

Mr Shaw and Mr Wallis were unable to completely extinguish the fire but kept it contained so damage was limited to the kitchen area.

It was all hands on deck at the pub this morning to get it cleaned up and ready to open at noon, although they were not able to serve food.

Mr Tilbrook said they expect to be able to serve the carvery as usual on Sunday.