A GRANDMOTHER and her three-year-old grand-daughter have thanked the two heroes who rescued them from their burning home.

June Harlow, aged 55, believes that she and Jessica would be dead if neighbours Chris McGuiness and Tony Torkington had not helped them to escape from a blaze at their house in Frank Street, Halliwell.

Another neighbour, John Wood, rescued Mrs Harlow's son Damian who had fallen asleep downstairs after putting a chip pan on the stove which started the fire.

The drama unfolded at 2.45am on Saturday morning as Mrs Harlow and Jessica slept.

Mrs Harlow said: "Jess woke up and said she could smell smoke and the house was on fire. I thought it was just child's talk at first but I got up to check.

"I opened the door and smoke flooded into the room, I could see fire on the stairs. It was terrifying. I got Jessica to the window so we could get some air and we started shouting.

"It is just lucky that our neighbours heard us. I am so grateful to the men who helped us, if they hadn't come I don't think Jess and me would be here to tell the tale."

Engineer Chris McGuiness broke into the house and battled through smoke to reach the pair while painter and decorator Tony Torkington used his ladder to climb up and smash the bedroom window.

Mr McGuiness passed the pair out through the window to Mr Torkington before climbing down the ladder himself, even though he is scared of heights.

Mrs Harlow said: "We were so pleased to see them and I just want to thank them for saving us. Mr Torkington even came over the day after with a lovely toy duck for Jessica."

Mrs Harlow and Jessica were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and shock but were released later that morning.

The house is badly damaged and Mrs Harlow and Jessica are staying with relatives until the council can rehouse them.

Smoke alarms were fitted but they did not have batteries and the fire brigade has warned other people to check their alarms are working.