A MAN who called the emergency services after a smoke alarm alerted him to a blaze in his neighbour's flat has said he only did what any neighbour would.

Charlie Fowles, 75, of Pleasington Grove, Burnley, called fire crews after he and another neighbour were alerted to the fire in the ground floor flat at 10.45pm on Saturday night.

Thick smoke logged the property and the householder was found collapsed behind his front door by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.

The man was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where he is still being treated for smoke inhalation.

Mr Fowles said: "Me and my wife were asleep when another neighbour knocked on our door.

"She said she could see smoke coming from my neighbour's flat and the fire alarm had been set off.

"We tried the door but it was locked and we shouted to see if anyone was in, we heard a voice calling back but then it went silent.

"I rang for the fire brigade who came very quickly and managed to break down the door.

"My neighbour was inside the house slumped near the door wearing only his underwear. I think he had been overcome with the smoke.

"I just did what any neighbour would do and let the emergency services know. I am pleased that he is making a good recovery."

An investigation has begun into the cause of the blaze, which began in the bedroom but was thought to have been started accidentally.