CHILDREN accidentally caused a housefire after they played with matches.

Firefighters were called to Station Road, Dovercourt, on Sunday afternoon after the blaze started in a semi-detached house.

It is thought the two boys, aged 11 and 13, accidentally set fire to bedding.

An ambulance attended the scene after their mother, who is in her 50s, suffered shock and smoke inhalation.

Sub Officer Malcolm Hawken said: "This family was lucky - they might easily have lost their home or someone could have been seriously injured in the incident," he said.

"The boys owned up straight away and realised the consequences of their actions - they've agreed to talk to one of our Juvenille Fire Setter advisors so that hopefully we can prevent anything like this happening again within this family.

"It's important that all matches and lighters are kept away from children at all times."

The fire was contained by crews to the third level of the house and the family have been able to stay in their home.

Crews also stressed the importance of smoke alarms.

"We recommend the minimum of one per floor," said Mr Hawken. "Once they're fitted, it's important to test them regularly."

The blaze started at 4.55pm and the woman didn't need hospital treatment. It was extinguished by 5.35pm.