SMOKE detectors saved the lives of a family when fire destroyed their home early yesterday.

A 19-year-old man was rescued by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus from an attic bedroom at the house in Mount View Close, Scarborough.

His mother and seven-year-old sister were rescued by a neighbour, and a 17-year-old managed to make his own way to safety.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the smoke detectors' siren had woken the family.

Extensive damage was caused by smoke and fire to the entire house.

The cause of the blaze is still being investigated but is not suspicious said the spokeswoman.

"The family were fortunate to have smoke detectors fitted and in good working order," she said