A MAN was praised by firefighters yesterday after saving his female neighbour from a house blaze.

Nicola Johnson, 27, of Holly Avenue, Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, lapsed into unconsciousness after breathing in smoke from the fire, which broke out at 10.35pm on Monday.

Simon Fenwick spotted the flames, which started in the living room, and dragged her to safety.

Ms Johnson needed resuscitating, and she was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital, where she is recovering.

Mr Fenwick also needed treatment for the effects of smoke.

Acting sub-officer Dave Spoors, said: "We arrived to find that the house was on fire and that a young woman was outside, with neighbours attempting to get her to regain consciousness.

"She was not breathing, and her heart had stopped, so we had to act quickly. It took about four to five minutes for us to resuscitate her."

Inspector Stewart Hay, of Sunderland police, said: "If Nicola had breathed in smoke for just a few more seconds, it may have been too late for fire crews to resuscitate her."