TWO postmen dashed into a blazing house to save a pensioner - who turned out to be their boss's mother-in-law.

Andrew Smith, 31, and Robbie Hair, 35, from Washington, Wearside, were walking past the 74-year-old woman's home when they noticed the fire.

They braved flames and smoke to reach Elsie Rumney, who had collapsed after fire broke out in her bedroom.

It was only when they told workmates at Royal Mail's Sunderland delivery office that manager Peter Stephenson realised it was his mother-in- law and rushed to hospital.

Mr Smith said: "We didn't think about the risk - our only thought was to get her out as quickly as possible."

Fire Brigade spokesman Phil Brooksbanks said the pair would be put forward for a bravery award.

"There is a good chance their actions saved the life of this woman."