A MAN has described how he battled in vain against flames and billowing smoke to save a neighbour from his blazing home.

Retired naval officer Peter Gannon, 57, died when he dropped a cigarette at his home in North King Street, North Shields, on Friday.

He died despite the efforts of neighbour Andrew Hamilton to rescue him before firefighters arrived at the scene.

Mr Hamilton said: "I work nightshifts, so I had just got home and was watching TV when I heard crackling noises.

"I kicked Peter's door down, but I was immediately beaten back by smoke and flames. There was nothing I could do for him."

Divisional Officer Kevin Hepple said every fire-related death over the past 18 months on Tyneside and Wearside was the result of carelessly discarded cigarette