Firefighters have used a special oxygen mask on a dog which became trapped in a house fire while its owners were out.

A neighbour dialled 999 after spotting black smoke billowing from the property in Mildmay Place, fearing the family and their pet dogs were trapped inside.

Firefighters forced their way into the house. They found the fire had taken hold on the landing and was spreading to the stairs.

Danny Barrett, Sevenoaks watch manager, said: "The smoke was low and thick and visibility was very poor but our prime concern was to search the house to make sure no one was trapped inside.

"We used a thermal image camera to scan the building. This handheld device is like a set of eyes that can see through black smoke and darkness and can pick up body heat, making it quicker for us to find casualties.

"We quickly established that the family were not at home but that their dog had been overcome with smoke."

The occupants returned home to find their house in flames and feared the worst for their pet.

But firefighters had taken the dog to safety and treated her with oxygen using a special pet mask which had only arrived at the fire station that morning.

It was provided by Smokey Paws, following a donation from His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent, who after hearing about the fire said: "I am delighted to hear that the animal oxygen mask that I donated to Sevenoaks fire station with the help of Smokey Paws was used to save the life of a family pet so soon after it had been delivered."

Within minutes of receiving oxygen, the dog improved and was reunited with her owner.

The family have had to be rehoused following the fire.