AN ACCRINGTON man has been hailed a hero after he rescued his unconscious neighbour from his smoke filled house after a chip pan caught fire last night.

The man, who has not be named, was found overcome by smoke fumes and slumped in his living room at Meadow Bank by David Jordan.

Fire officers said Mr Jordan tried to force his way through the front door but it was stuck so he ran round to the back and entered the property through the fire and smoke-filled kitchen.

He dashed through into the living room to find the householder unconscious.

After dragging him into the hallway and giving him first aid, he went into the kitchen and turned off the gas supply.

Shortly after the fire brigade and paramedics arrived, taking the man to Blackburn Infirmary to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Mr Jordan's actions won the praise of fire fighters who went to the house.

Sub officer Gary Monk said: "He acted in a very brave manner.

"The fact is he came in the through the back door and through a very dangerous area in the kitchen, went into the living room to find his neighbour on the floor and dragged him out to a place of safety.

"He did everything and more than what we would expect from a member of a member of the public.

"We cannot praise him enough."