FIRE crews went to the rescue of a pensioner trapped by a blaze at his home in the early hours.

The drama happened at 3.30am on Saturday morning, when fire fighters were called to help a 76-year-old who was stuck in his flat in Willow Court, Victoria Road, Elland.

The pensioner, who was suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation, was treated by ambulance and fire crews at the scene.

Elland fire station Watch Commander Mick Pollard said: “Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus carried out a search and found the man in his bedroom.

“We believe the smoke was caused by a small fire which started in the waste paper bin in the living room, but smoke had filled the entire flat.”