A PENSIONER whose clothes set on fire when he fell asleep while smoking a cigarette said he has been “very lucky”.

Firefighters were called to the home of retired 69-year-old Robert Everitt in Blackbank Street, Halliwell, at 2am this morning.

Mr Everitt had fallen asleep in an armchair in his lounge and, when he was woken up by his smoke alarm, discovered the two vests he was wearing had caught alight.

He called 999 and had managed to remove the burning clothing and throw it into the garden by the time fire crews arrived.

Mr Everitt, who has lived in the Contour Homes property for two and a half years, was left with superficial burns to his stomach.

An ambulance was called and he was checked over by paramedics, but he declined any further hospital treatment.

Mr Everitt, who lives alone, said: “I am very lucky. It definitely won’t happen again.

“I got woken up by the fire alarm going off, and noticed my clothes were on fire so I called 999.

“I managed to take off the two vests I was wearing and threw them into the garden.

“They were still burning, but the fire service put them out when they got here.

“It is lucky I was in a warden-controlled space.”

All tenants in sheltered and supported housing managed by Contour Homes have regular checks to ensure smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are working properly.

Ian Ainsworth, watch manager at Bolton Central fire station, said: “Care needs to be taken when smoking, as smoking and falling asleep can be extremely dangerous.

“Some clothing, such as garments made from polyester and nylon, can be flammable and is not pleasant to have near your skin when it burns.”