A Westhoughton man fighting for his life in hospital after suffering severe burns in a gas explosion is beginning to respond to treatment.

Albert Heys, aged 54, of Allenby Grove, is still on the critical list at the Royal Preston Hospital more than a week after the explosion at Livesey Court flats in Blackburn.

Mr Heys was carrying out demolition work as a sub-contractor for Blackburn Council last Tuesday when the gas powered machine he was using to remove plaster exploded.

Despite suffering 50 per cent burns, Mr Heys, who has worked for Westhoughton firm Malrods for 14 years, managed to stagger down 240 stairs to seek medical attention.

Today, a spokesman for the hospital said Mr Heys is still seriously ill but his condition has now "stabilised."

Blackburn Council officials are currently co-operating with the Health and Safety Executive in a full investigation into the blast.