A Sevenoaks couple are encouraging others to sign up to a new alert service after a frightening chimney fire broke out in their home.

Penny and Tony Hibberd sat down to watch a film in early January but it wasn't long before the Otford pair heard a low rumbling noise coming from their chimney.

They quickly realised it was on fire and rushed to safety.

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Mr Hibberd, of Rye Lane, said: "We could hear a low rumbling noise and thought that the sound effects on the film were particularly good but as the noise got louder and more intense."

The pair shouted to their daughter who was upstairs and grabbed their coats, shoes, keys and a phone as they left their home, closing the internal doors as they left.

By this time, flames were roaring high into the chimney from the fire place.

Mrs Hibberd phoned 999 on her way out of the property, she said: "It seemed like an eternity while we waited outside for the fire service to arrive but they were there very quickly, within about five minutes but it was a terrifying ordeal.

"Initially I was worried about the soot and smoke causing a terrific amount of damage to the decoration and carpets in our home, yet none of that mattered once the fire service arrived, I just wanted them to get in as quickly as possible and put the fire out.

"But they were incredibly calm and very professional, they took the time to make sure carpets were protected with sheeting and we cannot thank them enough for the care they showed us and our home. We were amazed and very lucky at how little damage there was and dread to think what could have happened.”

Mr Hibberd is now encourage residents to sign up to Kent Fire and Rescue Service's clean sweep alert. Crews will regularly inspect and maintain chimneys and ensure only seasoned wood is used.

For more information on keeping your home fire safe click here to sign up to the clean sweep alert which will remind you in early summer to have your chimney inspected.