FIREFIGHTERS have praised the prompt action of a member of the public who probably saved a Tunbridge Wells school from catching fire.

Vandals are thought to have set light to a tree standing close the buildings at Claremont Primary School late last night.

Leading Firefighter Dominic Moore said: "Fortunately someone spotted the flames and dialled 999. We were able to get there before the fire spread to the school, which it could easily have done because the tree was just feet away from buildings."

Firefighters used hose reel jets to put out the blaze, the cause of which is being treated as suspicious and which is now under investigation.