A Sittingbourne firefighter who suffered horrific burns while tackling a grass fire has warned youngsters about the dangers of starting blazes.

Mat Barney received serious burns to his arms and face while dealing with a grass fire at Dartford Heath in 2005.

He now hopes that a new poster showing graphic images of his injuries, will dissuade potential arsonists across Kent.

Recalling the incident, Mr Barney said: "We were there as a relief crew and there was lots of rubbish so we think a petrol can exploded and sent a jet of flames into my face.

"It was so intense. I was suddenly disorientated and fell over some more rubbish onto the scorched ground. The pain was excruciating.

"People don't realise how quickly a fire can flare up or change direction and if an experienced firefighter like me can be affected, so can those who start them and they can easily be killed."

The poster will be displayed across areas where there have been a large number of deliberate fires, particularly over the school summer holiday.