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.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Alec Mackie said: "They had to break 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 the fire, which broke out in the bedroom and spread into the roof.

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

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

The bedroom and roof of the building were badly damaged.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is now under way.