A PENSIONER died when her clothing caught fire at her Ribbleton home.

Ada Pollard, aged 71, was found dead in her kitchen at Sawley Crescent, Preston, on Tuesday (November 25) just after 8am. It is believed the woman's nightshirt drifted into the gas fire in the living room while she was trying to light a cigarette with some paper.

Her 15-year-old grandson Martin, who lives at the same address, was woken by the smoke alarm and came downstairs to discover the tragedy. Martin and his mother Linda were taken to Royal Preston Hospital suffering from shock and smoke inhalation.

The local postman passing by on his round heard the smoke alarm going off and rushed in to try to rescue the elderly woman. He alerted nearby family members and the emergency services. The postman - who has not been named - was also treated at hospital, traumatised by the shocking scenes. He returned to work later in the day to finish his round.

Two fire engines attended the scene but damage to the house was minimal. The fire service and police are investigating the incident. There are no suspicious circumstances.

Preston delivery office manager Jack Lambert praised the postman's actions and said: "He acted with great courage in tragic circumstances despite possible risks to his own safety."

The family of the dead woman is too distressed to speak about the accident. The coroner has been informed.

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