TRIBUTES have been paid to a pensioner who died in a house blaze, as firefighters said the amount of items hoarded at the property hampered their rescue attempt.

Ann Bradshaw, 65, and her son, Ian, 37, were rescued from their home in Honister Place, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, at about 1pm on Monday.

Both were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital where Mrs Bradshaw later died and Mr Bradshaw was kept under observation until his discharge, yesterday.

The cause of the fire is not believed to be suspicious.

John Walkden, of Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue, said: “The crews which tried to get into the front of the house couldn’t actually open the front door.

“There was debris behind the front door, we had to smash our way in and try to get up the stairs and rescue the female occupant. In 17 years’ experience in the fire service, I have seen hoarding, but not to this extent.”

Councillor Enid Paylor lived next door to Mrs Bradshaw and her son for several years before they moved to Honister Place.

She said: “Ann was a genuinely lovely lady, quiet and kept herself to herself, but was so nice to be with. It’s so sad.”

Coun Paylor, who represents Aycliffe West on Durham County Council, said it was the second tragedy to hit the close-knit family.

She said Mrs Bradshaw’s husband, Alan, died of cancer two years after their son was born.

Coun Paylor said: “That was such a tragedy. I don’t think she ever thought she was going to have a child so when she fell pregnant she was elated, they both were, and she has been so proud of Ian ever since.

“When Alan died she said she would never remarry because he was her true love.

“I think that’s why she loved Ian so much, because he looked so much like his father and it was a huge part of him that stayed with her.

“Ian relied on his mum, but I think they relied on each other really, and lived for each other.”

An investigation by Durham Police and the fire service got under way yesterday.

A police spokeswoman said the cause of the fire at the terraced house is not thought to be suspicious.

People have been urged to fit a smoke alarm on each level of their homes and call brigade headquarters, on 0845-305-8383, to arrange a free fire safety check.