A GRANDMOTHER saved the life of a man who was left unconscious by smoke from a chip pan fire.

Pat Morrison, of Tempest Street, Deane, heard a fire alarm and saw flames in her neighbour's kitchen on New Year's Eve.

She immediately dialled 999 and firefighters found the 48-year-old man unconscious on the kitchen floor.

Glen Williams, who was staying at the property overnight, is believed to have fallen asleep after leaving the chip pan on.

Firefighters believe Mr Williams would have died if the alarm had not been raised so quickly.

Mrs Morrison was setting off fireworks in her garden with her family shortly before midnight when she heard the smoke alarm and saw the blaze.

The fire had burnt itself out when firefighters arrived but the kitchen was badly smoke logged.

There was no answer at the front door and firefighters broke in and rescued Mr Williams.

He was given oxygen, but refused hospital treatment.

Mrs Morrison said: "It was just by chance that we decided to set off some fireworks.

"I heard the alarm, saw smoke and looked over the wall. At first, I thought it was disco lights but then I realised it was flames.

"I was shaking when I rang for the fire service in case there was anyone in the house.

"I can't stop thinking about what would have happened if I hadn't have heard the alarm."

Bolton Central station officer Dave Pimblett said: "This man would have died if it wasn't for the smoke alarm going off and if Mrs Morrison hadn't noticed.

"I have no doubt she saved his life.

"We can't emphasise enough how smoke alarms can save lives.

"Fortunately, on this occasion, the fire burnt itself out, but chip pan fires can quickly spread."

Firefighters will be carrying out fire risk assessments in homes in the area this week following the blaze and will be fitting smoke alarms to any properties without them.