A BRAVE schoolboy from Northwich has become a hero after saving his grandmother from a fire in her home.

James Scott Cook, aged 11, of King George Avenue, was at his grandmother's house in Spencer Street when the chip pan caught fire at about 4pm on Thursday last week.

James immediately helped his 78-year-old gran, Mrs Beryl Lowe, to safety outside, turned off all the electrics and phoned the fire brigade and an ambulance.

James had been playing on his computer when he smelled the smoke.

He said: "I went into the kitchen and saw the chip pan on fire.

"The smoke alarm was also going off.

"I just thought what to do and did it. I watch London's Burning which gave me a few tips.

"All I knew was I had to get my Nan out."

Smoke

Mrs Lowe was treated for smoke inhalation at Leighton Hospital and returned home on Thursday evening.

The fire caused smoke damage to the kitchen but the rest of the house was not damaged.

Mrs Lowe said: "James is a real hero and I am very proud of him.

"I don't know what I would have done without him."

Neighbours and cleaners are now helping to tidy up the kitchen and get things back to normal for Mrs Lowe.

Sub officer Steve Burrage, of Northwich Fire Station, who was the officer in charge at the scene, said: "James deserves a lot of praise as he managed to get his grandmother out, turn off all the electrics and call the fire brigade."

Sub officer Burrage also gave this advice about chip pan fires: "You should turn all the power off, cover the pan with a damp cloth and leave the pan where it is.

"You should never try to move the pan."

Mrs Lowe said that she would like to thank all her neighbours and the staff at Leighton Hospital who looked after her.

jdriscoll@guardiangrp.co.uk