THE care home was filled with thick black smoke and a fire was raging downstairs.

It was New Year’s Eve, and Carol Bostock, who cares for three disabled tenants at Stowell Court, Halliwell, had already led two of them to safety.

But a third man was trapped upstairs, fearing for his life.

Without a thought for her own safety, Mrs Bostock went back into the burning building and rushed to his aid.

She put a coat over his head to shield him from the smoke, but then faced an agonising wait as she used the stairlift to get him to the ground floor.

Firefighters arrived within minutes but by that time, the 55-year-old had already saved all three residents.

Yesterday, Mrs Bostock relived the daring rescue after receiving a commendation from the Greater Manchester Fire Service.

The modest care worker was overwhelmed by the award but said she feared for her life.

She said: “I was very scared. I couldn’t see for the smoke and it was taking so long to get him down the stairs.

“I just knew I had to get them all out. I didn’t know whether I could do it but I had to try. It feels fantastic to get the award.”

At the ceremony at Bolton Central Fire Station, firefighters told Mrs Bostock she was a life-saver.

Watch commander Ted Andrews, who was on duty that night, said: “If it wasn’t for Carol we would have had a fatal fire on our hands.

“By the time we got there the fire was very well developed. Luckily, Carol got everyone out.

“Not many people could do what she did.”

Mrs Bostock received a County Fire Officer’s Certificate of Commendation from Deputy County Fire Officer Kieran Nolan.

Presenting her with the award, he said: “Carol didn’t want any fuss but it is important that we recognise what a brave thing she did.”

Mrs Bostock is now working back at the care home in Stowell Court with the three residents whose lives she saved.