BEN the western terrier didn't get to enjoy his usual grilled chicken dinner last Monday, after a fire broke out at his home in Kings Langley.

Ben's owner, Denise Pardoe, was cooking the meal on her gas cooker when she was distracted by a phone call and then went out.

Fire crews from Kings Langley and Hemel Hempstead arrived at semi-detatched house in The Orchards after neighbours dialled 999 when they heard the smoke alarm and saw smoke coming from the windows.

Two firefighters went into the house wearing breathing apparatus and found the flames were contained in the kitchen, although smoke had filled the rest of the house. And they were able to rescue Ben and three cats before extinguishing the blaze with a hose reel.

Denise, 50, said: "I was cooking some chicken for Ben. I had a phone call and completely forgot about it and went out. As you can imagine, I was traumatised. Coming home, driving up the road and seeing a fire engine outside my house.

"The kitchen is completely gutted. It's in a terrible state and there is smoke damage in the rest of the house. It's black everywhere."

A representative from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue said: "We would like to remind residents not to leave cooking unattended and of the importance of a smoke alarm."

Herts Fire and Rescue offers free home safety checks, during which firefighters provide invaluable fire safety advice, including fitting free smoke alarms where needed. Anyone who would like a free home safety check can telephone 0800 5873347 and arrange an appointment. For fire safety advice telephone 01923 471399 or visit www.hertsdirect.org/fire.