FIREFIGHTERS rescued a sleeping man from a burning building in Worcester.

Crews were called to sheltered housing accommodation in Lincoln Green, Ronkswood, after a neighbour saw smoke coming from the roof of the first floor flat at about 2.30am Wednesday.

Spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Alec Mackie, said: "They had to force entry to get in and found the man, who was asleep in the lounge.

"Initially they couldn't wake him so dragged him out and one of the firefighters carried him out of the building."

The man was taken, by ambulance to Worcestershire Royal Hospital following Wednesday's blaze, which broke out in the bedroom and spread into the roof.

Mr Mackie added: "Fortunately, the door between the living room and the bedroom was a fire-proof door and was shut.

"Certainly we must thank the neighbour who called us in time for us to get there and do the job, as otherwise, we might have been looking at something far more serious."

The bedroom and roof of the property were damaged and an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.