AN elderly lady in Worcester had to be rescued from a fire in her home.

Firefighters rescued the lady following a fire in her lounge after staff at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service Fire Control received an emergency call triggered by her automated smoke alarm.

The incident happened at 3.49am in Lambourne Crescent, off Hallow Road.

Wholetime and retained crews from Worcester Fire Station were called to the incident and at its peak, three front-line fire engines were at the scene.

On arrival crews quickly got into the building and, using breathing apparatus, firefighters found and rescued the elderly lady, then gave her emergency first aid until the ambulance service arrived.

However the ambulance was not needed and did not take her to hospital.

Watch Manager Tony Richardson said: "This incident highlights just how important it is that everyone has a working smoke alarm in their home.

"Smoke alarms should be checked every week and if you find the batteries need replacing do it immediately!"

The cause of the fire is under investigation but was believed to have started accidentally.

The woman is now recovering at her home.