A MAN was pulled to safety from his blazing flat - just two weeks after a smoke alarm was installed.

Neighbours were alerted by the sound of the alarm, which was fitted in the property in Essex Close, Redcar, east Cleveland, during a community safety campaign.

The man had fallen asleep after putting a chip pan on the cooker.

Firefighters from the Grangetown and Redcar stations broke into the flat to rescue the man, who was treated by paramedics for the effects of smoke inhalation.

Mark Whelan, director of operations and community safety at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: "Firefighters fitted a smoke alarm for this resident two weeks ago and, although it was neighbours who raised the alarm, we want to stress the importance of fitting smoke alarms to all members of the community.

"We have started a programme of home visits, where members of the public can talk to firefighters about fire safety in their homes.

"Anyone who would like a Home Fire Risk Assessment visit should contact their local fire station."