A WOMAN escaped unharmed from her burning flat thanks to the quick actions of two neighbours.

Morgan Parkinson and Phil Spittle had gone outside their block of flats in Richmond Avenue in Accrington to have a cigarette at 2am this morning, when they heard a smoke alarm going off in the ground floor flat.

They rushed into the smoke-filled flat and woke up the female occupant, and brought her outside before dialling 999.

Accrington fire crew manager Liam Barker said: "Although we never recommend for people to enter burning buildings, these men's actions meant that the young lady was rescued from the flat quickly, meaning she only suffered mild smoke inhalation. She was very lucky."

The fire was caused by a chip pan that was left unattended on the cooker. The woman had put the pan on, and some food under the grill, and then fallen asleep.

The fire had burned itself out by the time firefighters arrived, and left severe fire damage to the pan and cooker, severe by heat to cupboards and plastic fixtures, and smoke damage to the rest of the property.

The woman was given first aid by paramedics at the scene, before being taken by ambulance to Royal Blackburn Hospital as a precaution.