AN elderly woman was rescued from her burning bed by neighbours who spotted smoke coming from her house.

The 76-year-old, from Hartburn, Stockton, who is bed-ridden, suffered severe burns and was taken by paramedics to the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton.

It is not certain how the fire, at her home in Rounton Grove, started yesterday but the neighbours were praised by firefighters who attended the scene.

Station officer Bob Beech, from Stockton Fire Station, said: "The neighbours pulled the woman from her bed and into the hallway, and with further help got her out of the house.

"We spent an hour fighting the fire and the room was completely gutted. The fire was in the centre of the bed and the bedding was on fire.

"With her being bed-ridden it means it would have been very difficult."

The pensioner, who has not been named, suffered extensive burns and the effects of smoke inhalation. Her condition has been described as stable.