THE neighbour of a disabled pensioner has described the screams of the man's wife when the couple became trapped in their burning home.

Norman Mollon, 74, told how neighbours Robert and Sheila Bryden, both 66, escaped with their lives when flames and smoke ripped through their home in Grape Lane, Durham City, on Boxing Day.

It is thought the fire started when Mr Bryden, who is partially-sighted and has to use a walking frame, fell asleep in bed with a lit pipe.

Mr Mollon described how he heard Mrs Bryden's screams as she tried to pick up her husband after he fell off the burning bed.

Now recovering at Kepier House nursing home, in Gilesgate, the couple refused hospital treatment after they escaped their bungalow unharmed.

Mr Mollon said: "I was just listening to the football on the radio when I heard an almighty scream from next door. I went to my front door and there was smoke billowing everywhere.

"I pulled the emergency cord that connects our bungalows and, thankfully, the police were here in minutes.

"After they got out, they sat in my house all night and told me they panicked when the house started to fill up with smoke.

"He is practically bed-bound, so Sheila, who always looks after him, was very upset when he fell off the bed.

"After paramedics checked them over I gave them some blankets and food, and after half-an-hour or so they were champion."

Four Durham Police officers were the first on the scene after the alarm was raised at 4.45pm.

PCs Jeff Barksby and James Somersall found Mr Bryden slumped on the floor near the front door, so they dragged him out. Then PCs Andrew McDonald and Peter Smith helped his wife to safety.

PCs Somersall and Smith went back into the smoke-filled house to check the gas cooker for faults, but found it was fine.

Acting Inspector Dave Tweddle said: "All the officers acted courageously and bravely during this incident."