Crews were called cto a home in The Hawthorns, Eccleston, at 1.56am on Saturday, following reports of people being trapped inside.

When they arrived, four people were outside but one man was still inside trying to fight the blaze.

Watch manager Peter Bamber from Chorley fire station said: "Crews walked this person from the house as there was still some smoke within the property.

"Although this person's approach probably prevented the spread of fire to other parts of the house, his actions placed himself in immense danger of being completely overcome by the fire and the smoke.

"Fire service advice would consistently be to get everyone out of the property and await the arrival of the fire service."

All five people were taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation but there were no serious injuries.

Watch manager Bamber added: "There was a smoke alarm within the house and this raised the alarm.

"Had the smoke alarm not been present, we would undoubtedly have been dealing with an even more serious incident."

*For a free home fire safety check, contact your local fire station or freephone 0800 1691125.