A PIE-LOVING pensioner in Swanley was helped by his neighbour yesterday afternoon (Dec 17) after leaving three pastries in the oven.

Two fire engines from Dartford rushed to the property in The Spinney just before 2pm and discovered the elderly man had forgotten he had left three pies cooking.

Thankfully a neighbour had averted a more serious situation after hearing the fire alarm.

He had entered the flat, turned off the oven and opened some windows and doors to ventilate the property.

Dartford crew manager Gary Miller said: “Had it not been for the neighbour’s quick thinking actions, the situation could have been much worse.

“If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours or relatives, pay them a visit over the festive period to make sure they are safe from fire and other hazards.

“It can be quite difficult for older people to check their smoke alarms as they’re quite high up, test it for them and you could be helping to save that person’s life.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire safety checks and advice and have a range of fire safety devices for visually and hearing impaired people.

For more information, visit saferwinter.info or call 0800 923 7000.