A MAN who plunged into a burning house to rescue his prospective mother-in-law from an arson attack has been honoured for his bravery.

Dave Selby, 30, of Beverley Gardens, Consett, County Durham, has been given a commendation by the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire.

The quick-thinking civil servant dashed through the flames to rescue 66-year-old Nora Smith - his neighbour and the mother of his fiancee, Michelle.

The drama began shortly after 2am on March 18, when another Beverley Gardens resident was woken by a noise outside his house.

The man saw that the rear of Mrs Smith's home was on fire and ran to Mr Selby's house after raising the alarm.

Mr Selby ran into the street, grabbing a plant pot filled with rainwater in the hope of dousing the flames.

When he reached the house, he saw a blaze in the kitchen, which was thick with smoke.

Realising his pot of water was useless, Mr Selby leapt through the burning back doorway and felt his way through the smoke to the lounge and stairs.

He then climbed the stairs and led Mrs Smith to safety. They were met outside the front door by the emergency services.

Mr Selby escaped from the ordeal unharmed and his prompt actions ensured Mrs Smith only suffered the effects of smoke inhalation.

"I didn't have time to stop and think about what I was doing," said Mr Selby, who works for the Department of Social Security in Longbenton, Newcastle.

"I just grabbed the plant pot of water and took a running jump into the house."

His deed also won praise from Consett area commander Chief Superintendant Ian Irwin, who said: "Mr Selby's actions on the night were without doubt extremely brave. The risk to his own life was very real, however, he acted without thought for his own safety and in all probability saved the life of Mrs Smith."

The fire was started deliberately by someone who pushed a lighted rag through Mrs Smith's letter box. No one has been arrested yet in connection with the incident.