A PENSIONER who escaped unhurt from her blazing house has said a heartfelt thank you to the two young heroes who saved her life.

Brave schoolboys Matthew Done and Ryan Fletcher, both prefects at Bridgewater Primary School, Little Hulton, flagged down a taxi when they saw smoke pouring from 78-year-old Kathleen Bates's house as they walked home from school.

The taxi driver alerted emergency services on his radio and Mrs Bates was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

Matthew, aged 11, and Ryan, 10, both of Little Hulton, also found and returned her treasured terrier Henry -- who is currently lodging at Leigh Cats and Dogs Home.

The blaze destroyed furniture, carpets and severely damaged ceilings and walls, and Mrs Bates is now being looked after at a home in Swinton.

Speaking from her temporary home this week, Mrs Bates thanked her young lifesavers -- who are both hoping to become fire cadets next year.

Mrs Bates said: "I just want to thank those two boys for saving my life, and give them a couple of pounds so they can buy some sweets for their troubles.

"They were very brave and I think they will make excellent fire cadets as they certainly helped me a lot. I do not remember much, but from what I have heard the boys did brilliantly." Both schoolboys have also been praised by fire fighters and teachers.

Station Officer Bill Edwards, of Farnworth Fire Station, said: "Even though the woman managed to get out, the boys acted quickly and did the right thing.

"Thanks to them, the woman was able to receive treatment straight away and we put the fire out in minutes, saving her house from further damage."

Headteacher Jenny Ogg said: "I am really proud of them and they certainly did the right thing."

Social Services staff have promised to assess Mrs Bates's accommodation problems as soon possible.

A spokesman said: "They are going to be looking at the state of the house over the next few days and then they will be assessing whether the house is going to be worked on or whether she will be re-housed elsewhere." Kathleen Bates with schoolboy rescuers Ryan Fletcher and Matthew Done. They hope to become fire cadets next yearRef: J446/23