A PENSIONER died in the second blaze at his bungalow in just over two months.

Wheelchair-bound James Young, 87, died in what neighbours described as an 'inferno' that engulfed his home in Douai Drive, Delves Lane, Consett, early last Friday night.

The former Consett caf owner, who had lived alone since the death of his wife Maureen, was taken to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation at the end of November.

Two of the carers who visited him daily also needed treatment.

Police and fire brigade investigators are still looking for the cause of the latest blaze, which is not being treated as suspicious.

Three fire crews were sent to the private property, which had smoke alarms, at about 6pm after flames were seen in the window of the living room.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service duty officer Steve Wharton said the first crew on the scene put on breathing gear and entered the bungalow and found Mr Young dead in the room.

"The fire was centred on the front room and was quite severe. It broke through the ceiling into the roof.

"The bungalow is semi-detached and there was some smoke damage to the neighbouring property and the occupant needed oxygen treatment."

Mr Wharton added that there had been a fire in Douai Drive late last year and the brigade had fitted smoke alarms in some neighbouring homes as a result.

Crews were also fitting alarms in other homes following the latest fire.

Robert Lockey, who lives opposite with his partner Linda Taylor, said: "We heard a loud bang as the windows exploded and saw the flames. There was nothing you could have done, it was an inferno.

"We knew he was in there because his carers, who went to see him three/four times a day, went out at 5pm. This isn't the first time, he has had a couple of narrow escapes before."

Another neighbour said that Mr Young, who used to be taken out in his wheelchair by his daughter and her partner, said: "He hasn't been very well. He has just been housebound.

"It is the second time it has happened. The first time he set fire to the chair and the carers got him out. He was taken to hospital because he had taken in smoke.''

* People in County Durham can get a free fire risk assessment and ten-year alarms installed free by the brigade. Call (0191) 332 4222 for details.