A WOMAN died in a house fire, despite the frantic efforts of firefighers to save her.

Christine Francis was dragged unconscious from the kitchen of her home in Pimlott Road, Hall i' th' Wood, after neighbours spotted smoke coming from her living room.

She was given first aid at the scene by paramedics and taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital but she died at 12.30am on Sunday.

Firefighters had been called to the house at 9.45pm on Saturday after a settee and carpet caught fire in the living room.

Ms Francis, who was in her 50s, was suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation when she was found.

It is believed the fire could have been started by a smouldering cigarette.

Fire crews from Bolton Central and Bolton North stations arrived at the property within minutes of receiving a call.

A neighbour who raised the alarm said: "I saw smoke coming out of the house, but it was too late to do anything because the fire was well underway."

She said Ms Francis was a "lovely, quiet woman. She added: "She was a good neighbour who kept herself to herself. We always got on. It's such a shame."

Ms Francis, who lived alone with her three dogs and two cats, is believed to have two grown-up sons.

Her brother visited the scene of the fire yesterday, but was too distressed to talk.

Ms Francis's neighbours are caring for her pets until they can be rehoused.

Fire accident investigators are continuing to examine the scene.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "Even though our engines were on the scene in under three minutes, the woman was suffering badly from the effects of smoke inhalation because the house was so heavily smoke logged."