FIREFIGHTERS were called to an award winning Marlow restaurant to a potentially 'disastrous' oil pan fire.

A crew of blaze battlers from Marlow Fire Station dashed to The Hand and Flowers gastro-pub in West Street.

Watch Manager Richard Boast said the staff's quick and sensible actions in calling them prevented a nasty accident.

A oven dish with oil overheated, causing a fire within, he said.

But it was put out using a powder extinguisher, preventing damage to the kitchen.

He said despite only turning out to be a minor incident it was always best to ring the fire service.

"The staff were super, they did everything right," Mr Boast said this week after the call out on Sunday morning, around 10am.

"It could have been disastrous (had they tried removing the oil themselves). You are moving a fire, it's encouraging to know staff are trained."

The restaurant scooped the prestigious AA restaurant of the year in 2011 and was also awarded a second Michelin star, making it the only British boozer to have two.

Chef patron and co-owner Tom Kerridge has become somewhat of a celebrity by winning popular BBC television show the Great British Menu twice.

Mr Boast said of the oven fire: "It was just a very unfortunate thing that can happen at any house or business, someone got distracted and it over heated we just went down and assisted them putting it out.

"There was no damage, and it didn't disrupt their business "We dealt with it very quickly and you wouldn't even know it was on fire."

He had this message for the public: "If you at all unsure on anything then call us and we'll deal with we've got the expertise and kit. Don't try any firefighting yourselves.

"We'd always prefer someone call us if there's overheated oil."

The Hand and Flowers were unavailable for comment.

- MEANWHILE, the quest to find more part time firefighters at Marlow Fire Station and others in the area goes on. More retained firemen are needed to boost the ranks.

Newcomers are trained to a similar level to full time staff - including being taught at Marlow Fire Station which is home to one of the country's most high tech training centres.

Applicants need to be over 18 and physically fit and are required to live and work close to the fire station.

If you are interested and would like an informal interview please contact Lisa on 01494 898420.