A TEENAGER who saved his family home from destruction after a blaze broke out in the bathroom has been presented with a Letter of Commendation by a fire chief.

Daniel Rodger, and his proud parents Dave and Joanne, visited Shipley fire station to receive the accolade from station commander John Needham.

The 17-year-old was given the honour after his quick-thinking and bravery prevented a serious fire while he was home alone at his parents' house in Fern Hill Grove, Shipley, last November.

He was playing computer games in his bedroom when an electrical fault in a bathroom extractor fan suddenly caused the wall-mounted unit to burst into flames.

Daniel, who is an A-Level student at Beckfoot School, heard a noise and investigated, only to find the room on fire because burning molten plastic from the fan had fallen into the fibreglass bath below, igniting it instantly.

The teenager rushed into the bathroom and opened the window, before retreating, shutting the door and stuffing clothes under it to seal in the fire and smoke.

By the time his parents had returned home from the Alhambra theatre in Bradford, flames were lapping against the bathroom windows and fire crews had been called.

Mr Rodger said his son's actions were as a result of instinctively recollecting fire safety advice given by firefighters in schools when the teenager was younger.

Now, Daniel and his parents have been reunited with the firefighters who tackled the blaze that night, with the teenager receiving his letter from station commander Needham.

Mr Rodger said: "We are very proud of him for what he did, If he had not done it, the whole house could have gone up.

"He is happy he has got the letter - I am very proud of him and really pleased he got the commendation for it.

"It just goes to show that it is well worth fire brigades getting out and speaking to children at a young age. It had just stuck in his head.

"It is really important that they carry on with that work and keep doing it. It is important for young children to know the dangers of fire and what to do.

Mrs Rodger added: "We were really proud and Daniel was as well. He didn't expect to get it.

"He really enjoyed meeting all the firefighters, especially the commander. It made him realise how important what he did was.

"When we first saw the firefighters it was dark and we were relieved to see them doing their job.

"So, it was nice to see them in a more relaxed setting and have a cup of tea and a chat. It was a pleasure to meet them."

In the letter from Mr Needham, Daniel is praised for his "quick and decisive" actions and is told how appreciative the fire service is of what he did.