An 87-year-old war hero who collapsed and was trapped in a house fire was pulled to safety by retained firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.

Frank Day, 87, from Leysters, between Leominster and Tenbury Wells, was found conscious but unable to move on the floor of his house last night. He was trapped in thick smoke that had built up in the kitchen fire at about 6.40pm.

Retained Tenbury firefighters and second-cousins Ashley and Dan James went into the house and within minutes had Mr Day pulled to safety.

Crews from Leominster and Tenbury also helped extinguished the fire which is believed to have started when something was left unattended on the hob.

Mr Day was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital for further treatment.

Spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Alec Mackie, said: “Mr Day did have a smoke alarm that was fitted by community firefighters from Leominster and it had alerted him to the fire.

“We believe Mr Day may have tripped when entering the kitchen or just suffered severe smoke inhalation and became unable to move.

“Neighbours rang the fire brigade and this was a classic case of a quick and rapid response that saved a life. Mr Day was very lucky.”

David James, watch manager at Tenbury Wells, said: “Mr Day is well known around the village and is a character often regaling people down the pub with his tales as a spitfire pilot during World War Two.

“The house has been very badly affected by the smoke so Mr Day won’t be able to go home straight away when he is recovered.

“We are very pleased when the job goes right like this.”

A member of staff at the Duke of York pub in Leysters said: “Unfortunately we don’t see him as much. He was quite a courageous chap and I wish him well.”

By Catherine Roche