A TEENAGER caring for her younger brothers and sister had to be taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation after a cooker caught fire.

Claire Mellor, 14, tried to get her brothers and sister out of the house in Lancaster Way, Thornaby, Teesside, after the fire started on Tuesday even-ing.

Although her sister, Geraldine, 11, and brother, James, nine, ran from the house, Claire had to persuade six-year-old Luke to leave because he wanted to get his teddy bear.

Claire, 14, who was babysitting, fought to put the cooker fire out before firefighters arrived.

Station Officer Martin Holden said: "As a result of her running around trying to get them out, she took a lot of smoke.

"When the fire went up she had told them to get out, but they ignored her, either thinking it was a joke or because they didn't realise the dangers.

"When they did see how serious it was they did a runner and left the house and a neighbour came in to help. She took a lot of smoke as well.

"Children should be aware of the dangers of fire, and especially smoke.

"It's the smoke that kills you. This could have ended up with dire consequences.

"There is a straightforward, safe response to fire - get out, stay out, get us out."