FIREFIGHTERS got called out to a smouldering clothes dryer in an elderly couple's home.

The crew found light smoke coming from the plugged-in appliance under the stairs at a property in Waverley Road, Astley Bridge, at just after midnight yesterday.

It had not caught alight but the smouldering set off a smoke alarm and woke the sleeping pair, who met firefighters on the doorstep.

Light fire damage was caused to the carpet and neighbouring possessing but the couple were uninjured.

It is understood the wiring may have shorted out.