BLAZE rescuer Ernie Robinson is to become godfather to the unborn baby whose life he saved.

Mr Robinson, 58, has picked up a fire brigade bravery award after saving mother-to-be Natasha Sanderson and her niece, Erin, now four, from a house blaze in Marley Pots, Sunderland.

Ms Sanderson, 21, gave birth to 8lbs14oz Naven on December 19 and has asked Mr Robinson to be godfather when the youngster is christened with Erin later this year.

Ms Sanderson, who will marry Naven's father, Christopher Longstaff, 22, in the summer, said: "If it wasn't for Ernie, I wouldn't have been here and neither would Erin - and I wouldn't have Naven.

"Ernie is a very brave man. He led two people from that house but saved three lives."

Mr Robinson said: "I was chuffed to bits when I was asked to be Naven's godfather."

He and another neighbour, Ernie King, rescued Natasha and Erin from a first-floor bedroom when fire broke out in the living room of the house in Chestnut Crescent, last June.

Both men this week received bronze Bravery and Meritorious Conduct Awards from Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade.

Heavy goods driver Mr Robinson said: "I just reacted because it happened that quickly."