A BUS driver is in line for a bravery award after making an unscheduled stop to rescue an elderly man from a burning house.

Andrew Hubbard, 27, of Heather Bank, Burnley, dragged the 83-year-old from the smoke and flame-filled house without a thought for his own safety.

The drama happened yesterday lunchtime as Andrew, who started working for Nelson-based Calder Coaches only three weeks ago, was driving into Keighley town centre.

"I saw all this smoke coming from the house so I slowed down" said Andrew, who is halfway through training to become a commercial pilot. "There was a man stood in the doorway throwing some burning curtains out of the house. Then he went back inside. "The whole house was in flames and there was loads of smoke. I stopped the bus and went to the front door. I shouted inside, but all I could hear was this moan."

The kitchen was in flames and dense smoke was filling the rest of the house as Andrew found the man semi-conscious on the stairs.

"I just got hold of him and dragged him outside," said Andrew, who served with the RAF as an armourer.

Both men were taken to Airedale Hospital to be treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

Station Officer Andy Newman, of Keighley fire station, has recommended Andrew for a prestigious Chief Fire Officer's commendation.

"He was very brave," said Mr Newman. "He definitely saved the man's life. They both had a very narrow escape because shortly after they got out of the house there was a flash-over and the kitchen, hallway and lounge were well alight when we got there."

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