A WOMAN has died in hospital after fire ripped through her home.

A rescue attempt by neighbours and a motorist, and the efforts of firefighters failed to save the life of Jean Nicholson, 61, who had been smoking in bed when the blaze started.

She managed to struggle to the bathroom of the bungalow where she lived alone, but lost consciousness as the fire engulfed her home, on Friday night.

Neighbours and a passing motorist tried to break into the bungalow at St Helens, Bishop Auckland, to rescue her, but were unable to get inside before firefighters arrived. Two fire crews from Bishop Auckland and one from Newton Aycliffe found her unconscious and with serious burns.

They carried her to an ambulance team who administered first aid before taking Mrs Nicholson to Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

She was transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, where she died on Saturday night.

Divisional Officer Bill Harrison, of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue, said: "Prior to the arrival of the brigade, neighbours tried desperately to break into the bungalow, but were forced back by smoke and fire."

Neighbours told yesterday how one young man, thought to be in his 20s, and possibly from the Shildon area, had been driving by when he saw the smoke.

After alerting residents in neighbouring bungalows, he tried to get into the house in an effort to rescue Mrs Nicholson.

When he found it impossible, he went to break the window, but was stopped by onlookers who realised the danger of adding to the fire's air supply.

Trevor Wardle, a neighbour, said: "He couldn't get in, because there was too much smoke. He did his best."

Mr Wardle said Mrs Nicholson had moved to her home in The Square less than two months ago, having left a nearby street that was being demolished.

He said she was already well known in the area.

Div Off Harrison said the damage caused to the bungalow was "severe", estimated at £20,000. The blaze had been so intense it had penetrated the bedroom ceiling.

He said the cause was "most probably from smoking materials setting fire to bedding".