A WOMAN was pulled from her blazing home as neighbours carried out a dramatic rescue to reach her yesterday.

Firefighters then rescued a man from the house at South View Terrace at Annfield Plain, near Stanley, County Durham.

A dog, named Penny, was also rescued by the firefighters.

Husband and wife, Ken and June Dixon, who are in their fifties, suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to Durham City's new University Hospital, but were able to return home last night.

Assistant divisional officer for County Durham Fire Brigade, Ian Dockerty, praised the couple's neighbours Ken Dodds and David Petre, and said he would be mentioning their actions to senior officers.

He said: "The two men got a ladder and saved Mrs Dixon from an upstairs window. We are chuffed to bits with their brave actions. They may have saved a life."

The fire started in a portable television in the kitchen in the house at some point before 7am and spread through the house. Firefighters entered the house to save Penny, a white shitzu whose coat was left blackened.

The brigade administered oxygen to the dog, which had been in the kitchen.

Mr and Mrs Dixon called in on their neighbours to thank who helped them last night.

The couple's daughter, Beverley Pounder, said her parents were fine but the house was not fit for habitation.

She said: "The house is in a state but thank God my parents are all right - and its thanks to their neighbours, the fire brigade and the police."

Mr Dockerty used the opportunity to warn the public of the risks of failing to turn off electrical appliances at the plug, and not having a smoke alarm.

Mr Dixon, a social services manager, said Penny's barking had awoken them and given them the chance to escape.

He said: "If it wasn't for her I dread to think what might of happened. I can't thank our neighbours enough for all they did. I'll be forever in their debt."