A PENSIONER in his eighties died in a fire at his home yesterday morning.

Neighbours called 999 after seeing smoke pouring from the semi-detached house and hearing smoke alarms.

Fire crews wearing breathing equipment searched the building and found the man dead in his kitchen.

The man, who is not being named until all relatives are informed, lived alone at Red Ridges, Brandon, near Durham.

Fire experts have launched an investigation into the blaze, which badly damaged the house. Police said they did not believe the cause was suspicious.

A fire brigade spokesman said 20 firefighters were on the scene at the height of the blaze.

He said: "The first appliance identified that the house was well alight and smoke-logged. The smoke was pouring quite forcibly out of the window.

"We committed six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus -we have quite a detailed search plan -and the casualty was found in the kitchen.

"It was a fantastic attempt by the firefighters to rescue the gentleman.

"We believe the house did have smoke alarms fitted and they did activate. They did alert the neighbours.''

He said crews would be in the area soon offering to fit free long-life smoke alarms to homes without them.

He said: "Statistically, you are four times more likely to get out of a fire if you have a working smoke alarm.''

For a free alarm and fire safety check, call 0191-332 4222.