TWO people made a lucky escape from a house fire after they were alerted to the fact their bedroom was ablaze.

The pair had been watching television in the living room of the property in Ainsworth Lane, Tonge Moor, this morning when workmen across the road raised the alarm.

A crew from Bolton North Fire Station were called to the terraced property at about 10.15am, and arrived to find the pair outside the home, along with a pet dog.

Firefighters promptly rescued a cat from inside the house, before working to extinguish the fire, which was confined to the bedroom.

They worked at the scene for about three and a half hours.

The blaze, which has left the bedroom with considerable damage, is believed to have been caused by a faulty printer.

Rick Henthorne, watch manager at Bolton North Fire Station, said: "When we arrived everyone was outside, and there was smoke coming from the front bedroom window.

"The fire was confined to the bedroom, but the whole house was pretty smoke logged. It must have been going for a good while before they discovered it. The bedroom is quite badly burnt.

"They had a lucky escape. Had they been in bed at night, it would have been a whole different story.

"They had a smoke alarm fitted, but it was old and not very loud. I would like to remind people to make sure your smoke alarms are working and try not to leave your electrical equipment plugged in overnight."