A MAN needed hospital treatment for smoke inhalation after a bedroom caught fire.

Firemen fought the blaze on the first floor of the house in Netherfield Road, Great Lever, yesterday afternoon.

Sub-officer Geoff Haddock of Bolton Central Fire Station, said it was thought the blaze was started by three-year-old Callum Baines who was playing with matches.

His uncle Andrew Kay was downstairs at the time but rushed upstairs when he realised there was a fire.

At first he was unable to find the boy who had hidden under the stairs.

Sub officer Haddock said: "We gave the little lad a good talking to and I doubt that he will play with matches again."

Mr Kay was taken to Bolton General Hospital but allowed home later.

The bedroom and contents were badly damaged in the fire.

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