AN 86-year-old woman who was pulled from her burning flat by firefighters was in a stable condition in hospital last night

Former teacher Vera Rigby was trapped in her living room by the fire at the flat in Pasture Farm Close, Fulford, York, on Wednesday, but firefighters managed to carry her to safety. Mrs Rigby was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by paramedics before she was taken to York District Hospital, where she is still recovering.

RAPE ALLEGATION: Damien Robertson, 20, is to appear at York Crown Court on Friday, accused of raping a woman last Wednesday. Mr Robertson, of Acomb Road, York, who works as a hotel supervisor in the city, was granted conditional bail by magistrates when he appeared in court on Friday.

BOY TRAPPED: Firefighters were called to release a boy who was trapped in a lift during the weekend. The child, who was aged about ten, was released unhurt. He became trapped in the lift at sheltered accommodation for the elderly at Vicarage Court, Hartlepool, at 3.25pm on Saturday for quarter of an hour. He had been visiting relatives.

DOG RESCUED: Owners of a dog were reunited with their pet after the fire brigade released the animal from under a portable cabin at Preston Hall Museum, in Eaglescliffe, Teesside, at about 11.30am on Saturday.

PUB FIRE: A doorman had to be given oxygen by firefighters and paramedics after a pub fire in the early hours yesterday. The fire began shortly after midnight in a large fridge at the Dickens Inn, in Southfield Road, Middlesbrough, shortly after midnight. The man had tried to douse the flames with an extinguisher but was overcome by fumes. After receiving treatment at the scene, he declined to go to hospital. There was slight damage to the bar of the pub.

VIKING DISCOUNT: Visitors to the world-famous Yorvik Museum are being offered half-price entry to the attraction until next spring. Residents of York have only to bring their York Cards to the museum, along with proof that they are residents of the city. The museum is hoping the offer will encourage residents to go with visiting friends.