A man has admitted starting a house fire which led to two people being taken to hospital.

Duncan Hornby, 59, pleaded guilty to reckless arson when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today.

The fire destroyed a house in St Mary's Road, Faversham, and damaged three other properties on July 6.

But he has denied two charges of attempting to murder two people or starting the fire intending to hurt the victims.

Hornby, who is in custody, will go on trial on January 15 next year, which is expected to last four days.

Judge Julian Smith told Hornby he has until October 23 for his lawyers to submit details of what his defence will be at trial.

He is expected to claim he used an accelerant to start the fire, intending to kill himself.

Emergency services were called to the property at 4am on July 6 and Hornby was arrested the following day.

Seven fire crews fought back the flames, which could be seen coming from the roof, throughout the morning.

At the time of the fire, residents were told to keep windows shut due to levels of smoke in the area.

The house has now been demolished and three neighbouring homes currently require scaffolding.