A FATHER and son had a lucky escape after their tumble dryer burst into flames.

The pair had been at their home in Chorley New Road when the dryer caught fire in their kitchen at around 10.20am this morning.

They were alerted to the fire by their smoke alarm and both managed to escape from the building to safety.

However the father, who has breathed in smoke, was checked over by paramedics for smoke inhalation but required no further treatment.

Fire crews then removed the dryer from the house and ventilated the property to clear the smoke by opening the windows.

It is believed that the fire was caused by a fault in the dryer.

The fire is one of dozens of such incidents across Bolton involving white and electrical goods this year.

Bolton Central Community Fire Station watch manager Carsten Boyle said: "I would like to highlight that the father and son were not in the kitchen at the time but the smoke alarm activated and alerted them to fact that there was a fire.

"We always recommend that people have working smoke alarms and we can fit them for free."

To arrange a free Safe and Well visit from firefighters, including the installation of free smoke alarms, call 0800 555 815.