A POLICEMAN has been praised for his quick thinking after responding to a distress call from an elderly woman.

The pensioner called the emergency services after her smoke alarm went off in her home in Trowbridge Road, Bradford-on-Avon, at midday on Saturday.

PC Nigel Willcocks reported that he could smell smoke and requested assistance from the fire service.

He spoke to the resident through her letterbox and, as she was unable to move, he broke in through the front door and helped her out of the house to safety.

The fire crew discovered that a pan of potatoes, which had been left on the cooker, had boiled dry. It was removed and the house was ventilated.

The woman was treated on the scene and PC Willcocks was also treated for minor smoke inhalation.

Area manager Steve Law said: "In the circumstances it was a natural reaction for PC Willcocks to weigh up the risk.

"And his rescue was to be applauded as it was apparent to him that she was in danger and he had to act immediately.

"Fortunately, she appeared to suffer from no significant injury apart from slight smoke inhalation and was treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics.

"Over half of house fires in Wiltshire and Swindon start in the kitchen, usually when cooking is left unattended."

Mr Law said the fire service had launched a campaign aimed at older people, who could be at the greatest risk from cooking-related fires.

"We aim to encourage people to buy kitchen timers for any older relatives, friends or neighbours as a large number of kitchen fires happen because cooking gets forgotten," he said.

"Having a timer can make all the difference."

Wiltshire Fire And Rescue Service offers free home fire risk checks that identify potential fire risks and advise on what to do to reduce risks.

For more information visit the website which can be found at www.wiltsfire.gov.uk.