A MOTHER and her two sons were taken to Blackburn Infirmary after a chip pan fire at their home on New Year's Day.

Firefighters had to force the front door of the house in Olive Lane, Darwen, at 11pm to free Phillip Alderson, 17, after the property became smoke logged.

Watch commander Tony Hartley said the keys to the property had been lost but Marie Alderson, 43, and Ryan, nine, had been able to escape through a ground floor window.

He said: "A chip pan had been left on and forgotten about but, fortunately, the smoke alarm alerted the family.

"However, because Phillip is quite tall he could not get out.

"All three were taken to Blackburn Infirmary for a precautionary check up."

The kitchen of the property was severely damaged by smoke and fire. The lounge was also damaged by smoke.

After the incident, firefighters delivered information on smoke alarms to nearby properties.