A PENSIONER who saved his neighbour by dragging him from his burning house has been honoured for his bravery.

Firefighters said George Clark would probably have died last May had neighbour David Jordan not smashed down the back door and rescued him from his blazing home in Meadow Bank, Accrington.

Mr Jordan, 69, was presented with a certificate of commendation by Lancashire's Chief Fire Officer Peter Holland at a ceremony at Accrington fire station last night.

Mr Clark said: "I will never forget what he did for me in saving my life.

"I am really pleased for him as he thoroughly deserves this honour."

The certificate praises Mr Jordan for his "courage and selfless actions in rescuing his neighbour from a fire."

Mr Jordan was alerted to the fire just after 7pm when another neighbour had seen Mr Clark desperately banging on his window for help. Mr Jordan tried to force the front door but it was locked so he ran round to the back and kicked the back door down.

Taking a deep breath he got on his hands and knees and crawled into the kitchen to turn the gas off.

The pensioner then crawled into the hallway and unlocked the front door to let the thick smoke out, went into the living room where he found Mr Clark semi conscious and dragged him into the hallway.

He then rolled him onto his side to help his breathing until the fire service and paramedics arrived.

Firefighters said Mr Jordan had probably saved Mr Clark's life with his brave actions but the retired coppersmith was modest about his dramatic rescue.

Mr Jordan said: "Anyone would have done it and to be honest I've been quite embarrassed about all the attention although I would do it again if I had to."

Mr Jordan was supported last night by his wife Patricia, 57, and his brother Peter, 71, and eldest daughter Sue who came from London especially for the ceremony.