A MAN dragged his semi-conscious neighbour from his smoke-filled home.

John Calderbank, aged 51, was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital suffering from the effects of smoke after fire broke out in his kitchen at Burnmore Road, Breightmet, early on Sunday.

George Chappell, aged 46, was on his way home from a night out when he heard Mr Calderbank's cries for help.

Mr Chappell kicked open the door of the house and found him collapsed in the hallway.

The blaze started after a pan of chips was left unattended in the kitchen.

Dave Pimblett, station officer at Bolton Central, said: "If you have had a drink of alcohol and are hungry, make yourself a butty.

"Don't put the cooker on, it has proven to be fatal on several occasions.

"This man is very lucky. If his neighbour hadn't heard him, it could be a very different story."

Mr Calderbank, who was released from hospital yesterday morning after treatment, said: "I know I am lucky to be alive. I can't thank George enough.

"All this happened because I couldn't be bothered to go to the chippy down the road. It was stupid thing to do."