AN elderly woman was led to safety after her tumble drier caught alight and fire spread through her home.

Smoke alarms alerted the 76-year-old to the fire in the kitchen of her home, in Wolviston Road, Billingham, at around 7.45pm on Friday.

At about the same time, a neighbour spotted smoke in the house, walked in and led the woman to safety.

Crews from Stockton and Billingham fire stations attended the scene.

Mick Pennick, watch manager at Stockton Fire Station, said the woman was given oxygen but did not require hospital treatment.

He said: "She was quite a lady, she was in fine fettle. Her daughter came and picked her up."

Mr Pennick issued a warning over the dangers of tumble driers.

"On this occasion, the lady was in the home, but some people leave them on when they go out. Her home could have been destroyed."

He urged people to arrange a free home fire safety check by calling Cleveland Fire Brigade on 01429-874063.