A COURAGEOUS 11-year-old boy risked his life to save a pensioner from a burning house... but kept his brave deed secret from his family.

Jonathan Hogan, fought his way through a smoke-filled kitchen to lead the elderly man to safety after hearing his cries as he called for his pal at the house next door.

But his proud parents Nick and Denise, who run the the Holden Arms, Grane Road, Haslingden, had no idea of his brave deed until days later.

The drama happened when Jonathan, who was going on a bike ride saw smoke billowing from a house in Blackburn Road, Rising Bridge.

Jonathan said: "I heard a man shouting and knew I had to do something. I just wanted to save him, but I was a little bit scared."

The brave youngster went into the house and saw that the kitchen was ablaze. The man was standing near the front of the house, and Jonathan was able to guide him through the smoke and take him outside to safety before calling the emergency services.

Although the fire gutted the kitchen the man, thought to be in his 60s, only suffered from the effects of smoke inhalation. Jonathan's dad Nick, 37, said: "Jonathan told us there had been a fire but not that he had been involved.

"We were gobsmacked when we eventually heard the news, but at the same time very proud of Jonathan -- although I think he got a bit of a telling-off from his auntie for putting himself in a dangerous situation.

"I think Jonathan didn't tell us initially because he is a very modest lad.

"But it didn't surprise me. He is the type of person to do something on the spur of the moment and is a very caring and loving dad.

"We are just glad that he is safe and sound."

Fire officers plan to officially commend Jonathan for his bravery.

Sub-officer Steve Harrison, from Accrington Fire station, who dealt with the incident, said: "Jonathan did a sterling job, although we don't advise people to go into burning buildings. But this was a very brave thing to do."