An elderly man had to be taken to hospital suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation after a small fire broke out in his home in Gillingham.

The 88-year-old, who has not been named, was given first aid by firefighters who were sent his home in Wright Close, Twydall, at about 9.40pm last night.

A crew from Medway fire station were called out to his sheltered accommodation property after smoke alarms activated.

It is understood the fire may have been caused by a discarded cigarette.

The pensioner was initially given first aid by the crew members, while their colleagues put out the flames and ventilated his property.

Ambulance crews then took over and the man was then taken to Medway Maritime Hospital as a precaution.

The crews left the scene at about 10.30pm.