AN 80-year-old man escaped his burning home after a chip pan caught fire.

Fire crews were called to the terrace house in Bury Road, Haslingden, at 7pm on Tuesday.

Officers said the man had a "lucky escape" after he tried to extinguish the flames, before being beaten back by smoke.

Rawtenstall Fire Station watch manager Ian Johnston said: "He wasn't injured, but he was very lucky to escape alive as he didn't have a smoke alarm which would have given him early warning long before a fire broke out."

For a free fire home safety check, call 0800 169 1125.