A window-fitter saved two of his elderly neighbours from their burning home after he had to de-ice his van.

Steven Todd’s commute to work was delayed when he had to clear ice off his work van just after 7.30am on Thursday (October 12) morning.

That’s when the window-fitter heard shouts of ‘fire!’ from one of his neighbours’ homes in Bournmoor, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, and sprang into action.

Steven, who is used to working at heights, rushed to get a ladder and got someone to ring 999 before climbing to the rescue of his elderly neighbours who were trapped in an upstairs bedroom.

By the time fire crews arrived on the scene, within eight minutes of being called, they found the elderly residents had already been rescued.

“When I heard shouts of ‘fire!’ and realised what was happening, I just knew I had to do something.”, humble Steven, 55, said.

“It was the right thing to do – I didn’t need to think twice, I had the equipment, and I just did it.

“After I knew everyone was safe, I went to work as normal. The Watch Manager shook my hand to say thanks but the only thanks I needed was knowing I’d helped.”

Paramedics took the pair to Sunderland Royal Hospital for treatment. They are not believed to have suffered any life-threatening injuries.

Fire crews tackled the blaze, which had broken out in the kitchen, and extinguished the flames.

Firefighter Scott Forward, who was one of the first on the scene, praised Steven’s heroics.

He said: “While we wouldn’t normally encourage members of the public to put themselves at risk, there’s no denying Steven’s actions were one of a true hero.

“As a trained window fitter, he’s no stranger to being up at height and acted calmly and quickly to make sure the residents were brought to safety fast. He has the makings of a firefighter and he has our praise and admiration.”

Four fire crews attended the scene after the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) received a call at 7.33am to the property in Bournmoor.

It was later found smoke alarms in the home weren’t working, but luckily the residents were able to shout for help.

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Homeowners have been reminded to check their alarms are fully functioning.

Mr Forward, Watch Manager at the High Handenhold station said: “The property had smoke alarms fitted but they weren’t working, luckily the occupants woke up and were able to shout for help.

“Smoke alarms are lifesaving pieces of equipment, and every home should have a working one on each floor.

“We fit them for free to any home that requires them, and we encourage people to check their alarms weekly. We also encourage people to check the fire alarms of their family, friends and neighbours who they believe might struggle to check them themselves.”