Firefighters saved the life of a dog trapped in a blaze which gutted a house, leaving its owners homeless.

Crews found a large fire under the stairwell of the property in Mildmay Place in Shoreham near Sevenoaks after being called at 7.30pm last night.

They rescued the pet and gave it oxygen therapy at the scene.

Teams wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel to douse the fire, which is thought to have been caused by an unattended candle.

The house was left severely damaged and those living there have had to be rehomed.

A spokesman said: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service would always recommend anyone using a candle to never leave them unattended, to blow them out if you leave the room or go to bed and to avoid placing them near curtains or other fabrics."

Crews were at the scene for about 45 minutes.