Fire crews have released a series of safety messages following a kitchen fire in Ashford.

Officers were called to Church Road in Kennington at 7.45pm last night to a report a pan had caught fire.

The occupants of the house had been alerted to the blaze by the working smoke alarm and called 999.

It is understood a grill pan had accidentally been left on the hob, setting the fat in the tray alight.

Firefighter Nathan Pavey used a fire blanket to smother the small fire. Crews also cleared smoke from the property.

Officer Pavey said: "Although this pan wasn't particularly dirty, fat can build up. So please make sure cooking appliances are clean.

"Also, don't leave cooking unattended.

"We are also approaching the festive season and would like to remind people to not cook under the influence of alcohol."

Fire crews were at the scene for around half an hour.