THE family of an 86-year-old woman who died following a gas explosion in her kitchen have praised her neighbour for his selfless bravery in trying to save her life.

Mary Pells Black was found on fire by David Thompson after he smashed a window with an ornament to get into her home following the blast, and then wrapped her in clothes to extinguish the flames.

A second blast at her two-storey terraced home in Craigshaw Square, Hylton Castle, Sunderland, happened soon after his rescue at around 10.20am yesterday, blowing out the kitchen wall.

The pensioner, who lived alone, was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital where she died from her injuries last night.

Her family issued a statement praising Mr Thompson and the emergency services for their efforts.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "The Black family would like to thank the emergency services and neighbours including David Thompson in his selfless act of bravery pulling Mary out of the house at grave personal risk to his own life.

"The Black family are naturally devastated at the loss of Mary in such a tragic accident and asked that they are left alone to grieve at this difficult time."

Mr Thompson, who needed hospital treatment after breathing in smoke, was also praised by firefighters.

A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "The officer in charge would like to praise the swift actions of the neighbour for his speedy and selfless act in rescuing the lady."