A Strood schoolboy whose quick thinking averted a serious blaze has been honoured by the fire service.

Jack Gove was just 11 he heard a crackling sound coming from the kitchen at his home in Yantlet Drive, Strood.

Jack, a Cedar Primary School pupil, approached the kitchen door and, without opening it, smelt smoke, then went outside to look through the kitchen window.

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Jack, 11, then saw there were flames coming from inside the kitchen.

He was able to raise the alarm with a neighbour who called 999. His mum Rae had been walking the family dog round the block.

In recognition Jack has been presented with a Kent Fire and Rescue Service Chief Executive’s Certificate of Congratulation.

Chairman of Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority Nick Chard said: “Jack’s quick-thinking and response made all the difference and meant the damage to his family’s home was minimal.

"I was also delighted to learn that Jack’s actions had been learnt following a KFRS fire safety visit to his primary school.”

Also honoured at the ceremony was life-saving KFRS distribution driver, Michael Johnson, from Cliffe near Rochester.

In November last year he was driving through Canterbury as part of his daily duties, when he noticed a man in his early twenties collapsed on the ground.

He stopped his van and jumped over the street barrier to help.

The man had a restricted airway after suffering a seizure, and Michael managed the man’s airway and called for paramedics.

He stayed with the man, maintaining his airway and ensuring he was safe whilst he continued to have seizures.

Mr Chard added: “Michael’s quick-thinking and selflessness that day saved the life of a vulnerable member of our community. The paramedics were also full of praise for the level-headed approach Michael displayed in supporting the man until they arrived.

"Michael acted automatically and showed true professionalism in applying his KFRS training to the full in a life-threatening situation and we’re very proud to have Michael as part of the team here at KFRS.”