A FAMILY of three were taken to hospital after being overcome by smoke in a house fire.

The parents were given oxygen at the scene, at Lime Tree Court, Saltersgill, Middlesbrough.

Their daughter - a woman in her 20s - breathed in fumes as she went to help her stricken parents. Her mother is confined to a wheelchair.

Sub Officer Alan Peirson of Cleveland Fire Brigade said it was fortunate that there was a smoke alarm fitted.

"Both were in a separate room to where the fire occurred. The fire had developed quite quickly and there was quite a lot of smoke in the actual room," he said.

Mr Peirson said smoke alarms are vital, giving victims advance warning and a chance to escape.

Cigarettes are being blamed for the blaze, which destroyed 30 per cent of a bedroom. Sixty percent of the remainder of the building was smoke damaged.

Mr Peirson, who was one of a team of 15 firefighters called to the scene, said: "The main message is if you are smoking, don't smoke in bed.

"Be mindful where you are smoking in the house and make sure you put it out properly.''

He said it was also important for residents to draw up fire plans incorporating escape routes while always keeping keys close to hand in case of an emergency.