IF only Hambo the hamster could talk she would surely be thanking pet-loving Clitheroe fireman Ronnie Eatough.

For not only did Ronnie run back into the Chatburn flat where Hambo had become overcome by smoke, but he gave her the kiss of life when she stopped breathing!

And Hambo's owners Siobhan Parry and Martin Lonsdale are grateful not only to the crew who tackled their kitchen fire but for their caring concern over little Hambo.

Ronnie, who has been on the retained service at Clitheroe for 10 years, said: "It was obvious Miss Parry was upset about her pet being inside the flat so I ran in and pulled the hamster out of the cage. "I brought it outside and realised it had stopped breathing. So I blew into its mouth and it came to!

"I know it's not the greatest rescue ever but is made Miss Parry happy and I was pleased as well!"

The crew was called after a toaster overheated in the Bridge Road upstairs flat.

Miss Parry, 17, was alone in the flat with Hambo and she managed to get out and raise the alarm.

She said: "The firemen did a great job first of all with the fire in the kitchen and then especially reviving Hambo, we are so grateful to all of them but especially Fireman Eatough."

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