Households are being warned to properly maintain their chimneys after a fire broke out in Pembury.

Firefighters were called to Henwood Green Road in Pembury at 11.17pm on Friday.

On arrival they discovered a large build-up of nesting material had caught alight above the register plate.

The plate is used to block the opening of a chimney, while allowing the flue pipe to pass through into the chimney or into a chimney flue liner.

Firefighters used small tools along with a thermal imaging camera and a stirrup pump to douse the flames.

Once the fire was out, at 12.31am, crews advised the resident to have the chimney swept and inspected.

A spokesperson from Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: "When did you last have the flue swept? Has it been tested for smoke integrity to ensure that no cracks or faults have developed and that dangerous gases are unable to escape?

"Why not sign up to our free clean sweep alert to get a reminder in the summer to get your chimney swept and properly maintained."