AN elderly couple who escaped death after their house was damaged in a gas blast two weeks ago today said they were delighted they were able to move into a new home.

Joan and Dennis Nancarrow's terraced house on the corner of Burns Street and Scott Street, Nelson, was condemned after the blast ripped through the house next door on Saturday, May 11. It had to be pulled down.

The gas explosion destroyed the end house, which was divided in to two flats, and badly damaged the Nancarrows' home, causing the roof and upstairs front wall to collapse.

Mrs Nancarrow was rescued from her bed by fire fighters after becoming trapped under fallen debris for an hour.

Mr Nancarrow, 75, had been out walking their dog at the time and returned to find a gaping hole in his bedroom wall.

Mrs Nancarrow was treated for minor injuries at Burnley General Hospital.

But the couple, who have been staying with relatives for the past fortnight, are this week set to move into a new bungalow in Lloyd Street, Nelson.

The house, which they hope will become their new permanent home, was found for them by the council, who also intend to rehouse the other people involved in the explosion.

Joan, 70, who was asleep in bed when the blast ripped through her home, said today: "It's wonderful news that we have been found somewhere to stay and, hopefully, it will become a long-term solution. We were very lucky we had relatives we could stay with who lived close by, but it's good news that we can have our own place again.

"We are both very much looking forward to moving in."

Police are continuing to investigate the Burns Street explosion with Pendle Council and the Health and Safety Executive to establish if there is any criminal liability on anyone's part.