A MAN had to be rescued from his smoke filled flat for the second time in five weeks after falling asleep with the chip pan on.

Despite firefighters fitting a smoke alarm after the last incident the man managed to sleep through the noise and it was his neighbours who were alerted and dialled 999.

The alarm was raised just after 5am on Thursday morning and three appliances attended the flat on Chesterton Court, Norton, Stockton, Teesside.

Watch manager at Stockton Fire Station, Mick Pennick, said the man was lucky to be alive.

He said: "We told this man in no uncertain terms that he was lucky to be alive. This is the second time in five weeks that we have been called out to his flat and he probably won't be so lucky again.

"After the last time we were called to his home we fitted smoke alarms but somehow he managed to sleep through them. Fortunately his neighbours didn't and they managed to raise the alarm.

"The man, who is in his 50s, was given oxygen for smoke inhalation but thankfully was not seriously injured."

Three appliances were called to tackle the fire and Mr Pennick reminded people of the benefits of fitting smoke alarms.

He said: "This highlights the benefits of have a home safety check carried out by fire crew - they can certainly save people's lives."

Anyone wanting more information or to book a free home safety check should call Cleveland Fire Brigade on 01429-874063.