A PENSIONER had to flee his home after a faulty electric blanket sparked a fire.

Retired engineer Alan Crompton alerted the fire service after seeing thick smoke pouring down the stairs of his house in Bridgefield Street, Radcliffe.

Part of the road was cordoned off as fire crews dealt with the incident.

The blaze had broken out in an upstairs bedroom, destroying the mattress and bedding and leaving the first floor smoke damaged.

Mr Crompton, aged 79, said there was a strange smell in the house which alerted him to the fact something was wrong.

He said: "There was a toxic taste in the air and I knew something somewhere was burning.

"I opened the door to the stairs and I could not see the top step because of thick smoke coming from the mattress."

While outside his home, Mr Crompton was looked after by neighbours. The following morning his next door neighbour removed debris from his front garden.

Mr Crompton, who used to work at the former Dobson and Barlow company, said: "So much good has come out of something so devastating.

"I was spoilt for choice where to stay that night. I had a few offers and stayed with a neighbour.

“They were bringing out cups of tea and my next door neighbour bagged all the rubbish that was brought out. It is so wonderful, the community have rallied round and so much good has come out of so bad.”

Mr Crompton, who is a father-of-two, is now contacting his insurance company.

He said: "I have had offers of help from my neighbours but there will need to be a professional clean up. The smoke has got everywhere.

"I think I will use two hot water bottles in future, I am tempted not to use an electric blanket."