RESIDENTS have been praised for their spirit and actions after they helped to rescue five people from a house fire in Farnworth.

The fire in Plodder Lane, which broke out last night, led to six people being hospitalised and caused "severe damage" to the house.

One man was rescued after a neighbour, 55-year-old Geoffrey Davies, heroically climbed into the house through a window broken by fellow residents after hearing his shouts.

Mr Davies then found the man slumped on a chair in the smoke logged room and proceeded to carry him to safety.

Two women were rescued from the upstairs of the property, and a man and a woman managed to self evacuate.

All five people and Mr Davies were taken to Royal Bolton Hospital for treatment, however their exact injuries are not yet known.

Following the fire Harper Green Councillor, Cllr Sue Howarth, has recognised Mr Davies and other's actions, saying: “Residents on the lane are pulling together today after an extensive fire at a local semi detached house, and there is much concern for the casualties of the fire.

"Much praise is being said for local hero residents who smashed windows and broke the front door in the rescue also drivers who stopped their vehicles at the scene to help.

"People watched as Fire Officers broke a first floor window. A casualty was stretchered out.

"Fire Officers and Police Officers have already been door to door providing reassurance and smoke alarms in homes where they are needed.

"People are informed that the house will be made secure upon fire investigation work being completed.”