A CALL centre worker's quick thinking helped save the lives of residents and two dogs from a burning block of flats in Whitefield.

Jamie Cameron and three other young men entered the smoke-filled apartments in Higher Lane and searched the three floors before leading two elderly people and a young woman with children to safety.

The 22-year-old BT Cellnet customer service worker then entered a ground-floor flat and rescued two greyhounds moments before firefighters arrived.

The fire started on Thursday night after arsonists torch a Suzuki motorbike which was leaning against the side of the flats.

Mr Cameron's girlfriend, Miss Kelly MacDonald, said: "We had been out for a meal and were driving home when we saw the motorbike on fire at the side of the flats.

"At that point, the fire was only small but Jamie decided to turn the car round and remove the bike away from the flats.

"In just a few seconds, the bike became engulfed and Jamie tried to knock it away from the flats. It was too intense and the flames were spreading to the flats. Jamie called on three young lads who were nearby to help him search the flats and alert anyone inside."

The younger lads ran to the first and second floors and brought down two elderly residents, while Jamie entered the ground-floor flat, which belonged to the owner of the bike, and discovered the two greyhounds. Their owner was out walking two other greyhounds when the incident occurred.

Miss MacDonald (25), of Whitefield, called the fire brigade on her mobile phone as Jamie and the other rescuers went it.

Firefighters from Whitefield and Farnworth were called to the flats shortly after 11pm on Thursday. The fire had spread into the ground-floor flat which suffered the most damage. The apartments above suffered mainly smoke damage.

The Suzuki motorbike, which had only just been restored by its owner, was destroyed.

The arson attack is now being investigated by police.