Two neighbours carried an 87-year-old woman to safety from a house fire this morning.

The woman, who has mobility problems, heard a smoke alarm sounding at her home in Broadstairs, and went upstairs to investigate.

She thought her tumble dryer was on fire but discovered towels in the bathroom were alight.

After phoning her neighbours, who immediately came to her aid, she was pulled to safety and they contacted the emergency services.

Fire crews arrived at the Trinity Square property, put out the fire and ventilated the area.

Margate manager Nikki Escudier said: "The woman had a very lucky escape thanks to the quick actions of her two neighbours.

"If you have an elderly relative or neighbour, please explain to them the importance of phoning 999 immediately, Kent Fire Rescue Service is here when we are needed.

"They are not wasting our time and shouldn’t be embarrassed to call us; it’s what we are here for and might just save their life."

It is believed the woman had accidentally dropped a cigarette in her bathroom, which sparked the small fire.

The woman and her two neighbours were all given oxygen after breathing in smoke.