The fast reactions and bravery of two men who risked their lives to save a pensioner from his burning house have been praised by fire chiefs.

James Robinson and Eric Henderson received a Chief Fire Officer's commendation for their daring rescue in Hall Road, Eccleshill, on June 15.

Mr Robinson, 23, was saying goodbye to a friend when he noticed smoke billowing from his elderly neighbour's house. After shouting in through the window and hearing a muffled response he tried the front door, but found it locked.

While his friend went to call the fire service Mr Robinson attempted to climb in the house's high windows but could not pull himself up.

Passing motorist Eric Henderson, who was collecting his daughter from a school trip, stopped to help when he saw Mr Robinson's rescue efforts."I had opened the window and stuck my head through and realised how thick the smoke was," said Mr Robinson.

"I started shouting for help, and that was when Eric pulled up. He hoisted me up and through the window, and after getting stuck for a few minutes and starting to panic I felt my way forward and found the door - but it was locked."

Mr Henderson, 39, of Ravenscliffe, then managed to kick open the door and rushed in to help.

Through the thick smoke, the pair found home owner Arthur Alexander lying on the floor with a smouldering sofa and burning carpet inches away.

Mr Robinson ran to the kitchen for water to douse the flames, while Mr Henderson dragged the pensioner to safety. Firefighters think the blaze started after Mr Alexander had fallen asleep and dropped a cigarette on to his sofa.

Station Officer Mick Smith, of Idle fire station, said: "The chief has recognised the determination and courage of these two gentlemen who performed a rescue of one of their neighbours who is alive today due to their unselfish actions."