BOXING champ Amir Khan helped save a tradesman’s tools when he saw a van on fire and called 999.

The fire service arrived at Rasbottom Street in Bolton, where they found the joiner trying to put out the blaze with buckets of water.

The van was badly damaged but firefighters managed to rescue the tools and ladders.

Amir had been at Cafe Mirage, on the corner of Derby Street and Rasbottom Street, when he saw the fire.

It happened at around 9.50pm on Sunday.

The joiner, who asked not to be named, said: “I heard a bang and I thought it was on the TV.

“But then I looked out the window and saw the van on fire.

“I tried to put it out myself but then the fire service arrived and they were fantastic.

“I hadn't even thought to call them so I was glad Amir had rung them. I saw him at the end of the street.

“It has been an inconvenience because I had jobs booked which I have had to cancel, but hopefully I will be able to get a courtesy van soon.”

It is believed the fire was started deliberately and the police are investigating.

After the incident Amir posted about it on social networking site Twitter.

He wrote: “Just called 999 from my mobile.

“A huge truck went on fire. Don’t know whose it was.

“Respect to the fire services,they arrived in five minutes.”