GUESTS were roused by an alarm at a Thurrock hotel in the early hours of today (Sunday, 17 October) and evacuated from the building.

However, it proved that the drama at tge Lakeside Travelodge just after 6am was sparked not by a fire, but a deodorant spray!

Fire services were alerted but staff quickly discovered the reported source of the problem, the misdirected spray setting off the alarm and halted the emergency call out, with guest returning quickly to their rooms.

An Essex Fire Service spokesperson said: "Travelodge staff confirmed it was a false alarm, so no attendance was required."