An elderly couple have spoken of their horror after a fire almost destroyed their home.

Michael and Marjorie Corden had been out running errands in Broadstairs on March 3 when they returned to find fire engines in the street.

The great-grandparents were shocked to discover crews were tackling a blaze inside their home, after a neighbour had called 999 having heard the smoke alarm.

The fire is believed to have started due to an electrical fault in the spare room, where they kept treasured family photos and other memorabilia, which were all destroyed in the blaze.

Mr Corden, 81, said: “It was a terrible shock. Black smoke was pouring from the windows and then there was a big bang, followed by a lot of flames.

“We were just standing there in disbelief and all we could do was cry. It was devastating.”

The fire started in the couple’s spare room – but thankfully was prevented from spreading further because the door was shut.

Mr Corden added: “From doing that one simple thing of closing the door, it didn’t just save our flat, which we love very much, but it’s possible it saved all the other homes in the building as well.”

Now, the pair who routinely close their internal doors before going out or going to bed, are backing Kent Fire and Rescue Service's (KFRS) latest campaign, called Smoke is No Joke.

KFRS Building Fire Safety Inspector, Kim Williams, said: “Smoke and fire can spread rapidly, but a closed standard internal door can hold it back for at least 30 minutes, which gives you and your loved ones vital time to escape safely, and it reduces the chance of extensive damage to your home.

“Our new Smoke is No Joke campaign is about advising everyone to close doors before going out or going to bed, when you’re less likely to be aware of a fire in your property. It’s particularly important to close the kitchen door, where we know a fire is most likely to start, or the door closest to the kitchen for more open plan homes."