A FAITHFUL dog gave its life to save its owner from a burning house early yesterday.

Gasket, the Staffordshire bull terrier, braved the blaze at the house in Peterlee, County Durham, to wake its owner, Derek Strong.

Mr Strong, of Fairburn Road, was woken by the dog barking and jumping on his bed, but the frightened animal bolted before he could grab it and drag it to safety.

Yesterday, the 34-year-old mechanic was said to be devastated over the death of Gasket.

The three-year-old dog, which suffered from epilepsy, was overcome by smoke.

Mr Strong escaped unhurt after leaping 20ft from his bedroom window to the roof of a camper van parked in his garden.

Neighbour Michelle Robson said: "He is absolutely devastated. He is in a terrible state.

"He had Gasket from a puppy and he loved that dog so much.

"Gasket saved his life, and Derek is heartbroken that the dog didn't make it."

Mr Strong, who lived alone, was too upset to talk about the incident.

He lost everything in the fire at his semi-detached house, including the tools he needs for his job.

Victoria Wales, 18, who lives two doors from Mr Strong, was woken just after 6am when she heard banging.

She said: "I looked out the window and saw smoke gushing past, so I rang the fire brigade.

"It was horrible, it was really frightening.''

Four fire engines attended the scene, two from Peterlee, one from Seaham and one from Wheatley Hill.

It is believed the fire started on the ground floor.

Fire officers launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze, which is not thought to be suspicious.

It is estimated to have caused £60,000 worth of damage. The fire brigade's victim support unit will help Mr Strong try to come to terms with his loss.

A spokesman for Peterlee fire station said: "The house was totally gutted - the whole place was a mess.

"It had been so hot in there the ceilings had collapsed and the plaster had melted away from the walls."