THERE seemed little hope for Badger, the West Highland terrier, when his lifeless body was carried from a burning County Durham flat.

But, thanks to the quick thinking of Peterlee fire officers, the unconscious pet was successfully revived after being given oxygen.

The drama began on Monday evening when a fire, started by a T-light candle, broke out at the Oakerside Drive maisonette of 20-year-old Kevin Hill, of Peterlee.

When fire tenders arrived, Mr Hill was standing outside his home and told officers that his dog was trapped inside.

Firefighters Mick Henderson and Chris Arnison went into the building, where they found Badger in the bedroom of the third-floor flat.

Officer in charge Bob Houghton told The Northern Echo that when the dog was brought out they thought he was dead.

But officers Tony Lister and Alan Renshaw decided to try to resuscitate Badger with oxygen.

And, though still suffering from smoke inhalation, the few breaths of oxygen helped to revive the terrified terrier.

With his pet back on the mend, Mr Hill was left counting the cost of the fire, which damaged almost all of his uninsured possessions.

And, as clearing up began, Sub-officer Houghton issued a warning to residents over the dangers of using T-light candles.

He revealed how Kevin had lit several of the candles when his electricity had gone off earlier in the day.

And it was one of these candles which had started the fire after it had burned through its metal container.

Sub-Officer Houghton said: "Whenever these candles are used they should be stood on a saucer or ceramic dish and should never be left unsupervised.''