A family had a lucky escape in East Grinstead after a tumble dryer caught fire in the early hours of the morning.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service were called to a semi-detached house on Lingfield Road just after 1.30 Friday morning.  The tumble dryer had been left running overnight and caught fire.

The family, which included three generations, managed to escape unharmed after their fire alarms sounded.

Fire crews are urging people to be aware of the risks of leaving electrical appliances running unattended overnight.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Safety Advice:

. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your appliance

. Regularly clean the fluff or lint filter

. Don’t run your appliance overnight or while you are out

. Keep your tumble dryer in a well-ventilated area and ensure the vent pipe is not blocked or crushed

. Don’t overload your appliance

. Have your appliance serviced by a qualified engineer

Further fire safety advice is available at www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

A Chipstead pub was the target for thieves shortly after midnight on Saturday morning.

Two staff were locking up at The White Hart on Hazlewood Lane when 3 men, one of whom was carrying a firearm entered the pub.

One of the staff members was kicked in the chest and ordered to show them the safe and hand over cash.

The men were dressed in black and were wearing balaclavas, and if you saw anything, please contact Surrey Police on 101.

You can contact Surrey Police online at:
https://my.surrey.police.uk/splonlinereportingweb quoting reference number P15059380.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. –

See more at: http://www.surrey.police.uk/News/News-Stories/Full-news-story/Article/11000/Appeal-for-witnesses-after-robbery-at-pub-in-Chipstead

The Mayors of Reigate & Banstead, Horley and Tandridge will be ‘flying a flag for the Commonwealth’ on behalf of their boroughs at 10am next Monday (9 March).

The ceremonies will happen at Reigate Town Hall in Reigate, the Memorial Gardens at Horley Recreation Ground and at the Tandridge Council offices in Oxted

The day marks the second international commemorative flag raising event for the Commonwealth when over 650 Commonwealth flags will be raised in 38 Commonwealth countries.

Commonwealth flags will be raised in places as diverse as Mount Snowdon in Wales and the Rothera Research Station on the Antarctica as well as New Zealand, Mauritius and schools across Uganda.