A 90-year-old man has received an award for bravery after saving a neighbour from a fire.

Albert Greenhaugh, of Lord Gort Close, Southwick, in Sunderland, rescued elderly Katherine Hall after her chip pan caught fire in her sheltered accommodation flat.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Civil Defence Authority awarded him a silver bravery award, and two police officers bronze awards, at a ceremony on Monday.

Mr Greenhaugh rushed into his neighbour's flat after hearing a smoke alarm. Acting quickly in a smoke-logged kitchen, he dampened the flames with a wet towel and removed it from the stove, suffering burns to his hands.

He then escorted Mrs Hall, who was suffering from smoke inhalation, to safety as the firefighters arrived.

Mr Greenhaugh was accompanied by his great-niece, Carol Giles, and friend, George Parry, at the ceremony. Mr Parry flew in from Canada for the big day.

Mrs Giles said: "He is over the moon about receiving the award, and that his old friend, George, and George's sister, Freda, have flown in to be with him."

Station Officer Kevin Gardner said it was thought the silver award should be granted because Mr Greenhaugh's actions may have saved a life.

He said: "In the opinion of the officer in charge, the brave and prompt actions of Mr Greenhaugh, particularly in view of his age, undoubtedly prevented further injury to the lady."

Two police officers, PC Michael Brown and PC Anthony Pow, from Northumbria Police Force, have been given a bronze award for rescuing Michael Hook from the first floor of his home in Easdale Gardens, Gateshead