Quick-thinking hotel staff had already dealt with a kitchen blaze by the time firefighters arrived.

Flames engulfed a grill at the Great Western Junction Hotel, Didcot, after fat dripped from bacon yesterday morning.

Two members of staff, Anna McDonagh and Claire Wighton, dashed into the smoke-filled kitchen and turned off the electricity.

One smothered the flames with a fire blanket and the other directed a foam extinguisher on the small blaze.

A passer-by who saw the smoke called the fire service.

But by the time two crews from Didcot turned up minutes later, the emergency was virtually over.

The fire service and the manager of the Greene King hotel and pub, Steve McGlone, praised the prompt action of the two employees.

Mr McGlone said no-one was hurt, but the kitchen was closed yesterday to assess the damage.