A PENSIONER was pulled semi-conscious from his smoke and flame-filled home by neighbours yesterday.

The 65-year-old man, who lived alone, was found near the kitchen door of the house in Emmerson Court, Horden, east Durham, by two women neighbours.

They were able to bring him out safely, and he was revived by ambulance paramedics at the scene.

He was taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool, where he was treated for smoke inhalation and shock. He was allowed to go home later.

Firefighters quickly put out the blaze, which began in the ground floor living room.

The cause was under investigation last night, but police said it appeared to be an accident.

Damage was widespread in the lounge, hallway and other ground floor rooms.