TWO Bolton heroes who rescued their neighbours from "an inferno" have been commended for their bravery by Greater Manchester fire chiefs.

Conrad Dobson, 51, and David Pendlebury, 54, plucked couple Thomas and Yvonne Harrison from an upstairs bedroom after their house caught fire.

They also tried to reach Mrs Harrison's 16-year-old son David Thomasson from a rear bedroom but were beaten back by a huge wall of flames and smoke from the kitchen.

He was eventually brought unconscious from the burning terraced home by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.

The flames were so hot that it melted the visor of the team leader of the eight firemen who went into the house.

Mr Dobson had been alerted in the early hours of the morning in October last year when he heard frantic cries for help from his neighbours.

He immediately alerted Mr Pendlebury, who he knew had a ladder, and together they sprang into action.

They pitched the ladder up at the bedroom window to rescue Mr and Mrs Harrison.

Eight firefighters eventually entered the burning house and despite the severe heat forced their way through to the back bedroom to rescue Mr Thomasson. He had stopped breathing and ambulance paramedics managed to resuscitate him on the pavement outside the house in Longfellow Avenue, Over Hulton.

County Fire Officer George Almond awarded certificates of commendation to the two rescuers on Friday in recognition of their heroism.

Pictured showing off their Bravery Awards are David Pendlebury, front left and Conrad Dobson, front right, along with the blue watch crew and David Thomasson, centre. Looking on are councillors Joe Higson, Lynda Bryne and Dennis Barlow Ref: H3483/14