A FAMILY who found themselves trapped in their smoke-filled home were lucky to escape with their lives, say firefighters.

Bus driver Eric Wheeler and his wife, Anne, were stuck in upstairs bedrooms at their home in Sherwood Close, Barnard Castle, County Durham, because the windows would not open far enough for them to get out.

Firefighters managed to douse the fire in the family's kitchen and clear enough smoke from the house to be able to lead the couple downstairs to safety.

An unattended chip pan is believed to have started the blaze shortly before 1am yesterday.

Earlier, the couple's son, who is in his 20s, had jumped from a window and police had helped his girlfriend down a ladder before fire crews arrived.

Steve Owers, fire service district manager, said: "They were extremely lucky. Because of the design of the windows, they did not open far enough for them to get through.

"There was a man at the back bedroom window and a woman at the front.

"We knocked down the fire, cleared the smoke and sent in firefighters wearing breathing apparatus to lead them downstairs to safety.

"They had done the right thing by going to the windows where they could breathe in the air."

The family were given oxygen and taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation, but returned to the house yesterday morning to inspect the damage.

Neighbour Raj Dass said: "Anne was traumatised. She is very shocked and upset.

"They came to look at the house and people went over to offer their condolences.

"The hall walls are black with smoke and the kitchen must be completely destroyed.

"I only woke when I heard the firemen breaking down the front door and saw the flashing lights. People were out in their dressing gowns.

"The emergency services were very efficient and considerate."

Mr Owers said: "This illustrates the danger of leaving a chip pan. It appears that someone fell asleep and it caught fire.

"Fortunately, they woke just in time and the fire had not fully developed. It could have been a lot worse.

"There was a smoke alarm but it was not working. If you have an alarm you should check the batteries every month, otherwise there is no point in having one."