A DISABLED woman and her husband were rushed to hospital after fire gutted their Billingham bungalow.

The fire broke out at 10.10pm on Tuesday at the house, in Low Grange Avenue.

The adjoining houses were evacuated overnight because of fears that the flames would spread.

Two fire crews from Billingham and one from Stockton attended the scene and used three jets to bring the blaze under control.

Six fire officers were at the blaze and rescued a 49-year-old disabled woman from the lounge. It is believed the fire began in the bedroom.

The woman's husband, 29, managed to jump to safety from the back of the house.

The couple were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and were detained at the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton over-night.

The bedroom was completely destroyed by fire and the rest of the bungalow suffered serious smoke damage.

It is thought the fire may have been caused by a lit cigarette or pipe.

Station Officer Colin Ede of Billingham fire station said: "We believe the fire was caused by smoking materials, but investigations to firmly establish the cause are ongoing."

A ventilation fan was used to clear the smoke from the bungalow and the neighbours were allowed back to their homes yesterday morning. It is not known when the couple will be able to return to their home.