A MAN was saved by firefighters after a blaze broke out in his living room last night.

Neighbours desperately tried to get into the detached house in Hartington Way, Darlington, to reach the man after being alerted by his smoke alarm.

After spotting 3ft high flames in the living room, they banged on the windows and tried the doors but could not alert the man, believed to be in his late 40s.

Firefighters arrived and broke down the door before walking the man to safety.

Postal worker Stuart Allan, who lives opposite, had just arrived home from work when another neighbour alerted him shortly after 8pm.

Mr Allan, 52, said: "His neighbour was on his way out and heard the smoke alarm.

"He waved me over and said he was a bit concerned about the man who live opposites us. I could see flickering in the house and, when we went over and looked, in we could see the fire.

"We called the emergency services and then we tried the doors. The front door and back door were both locked but we knew he was in there, so we were banging on the window.

"The smoke was getting really thick by that point and we could hardly see in. Then the firefighters arrived and they kicked the door down. They got to him and he was able to walk out.

"We are just relieved it hasn't been worse."

John Walkden, watch manager at Darlington Fire Station, said: "There was a small fire in the front living room.

"Because of the quick intervention of the firefighters, carrying out a forced entry, we were able to rescue the man, who had minor burns to his face and smoke inhalation.

"It shows the value of smoke alarms. The occupier did have a smoke alarm fitted and it did activate, although he was unable to get out unaided."

The man, who moved into the street four years ago and lives on his own, was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital by ambulance, for precautionary checks.

The blaze was quickly brought under control by firefighters.

Three tenders attended the blaze, two from Darlington Fire Station and one from Newton Aycliffe.

Last night, the cause of the fire was still under investigation.

Anyone who would like a free smoke alarm and home fire safety check can contact Darlington Fire Station on 01325-469128