COUNCIL chiefs have added their praise to a binman whose quick-thinking prevented a serious fire.

Mark Scott, 43, was on his rounds in Ellenshaw Close, Darwen, last Wednesday, when he noticed a fire in a second-floor flat.

Mark helped to evacuate neighbours and called for emergency help.

Sayyed Osman, borough director of environment, housing and neighbourhoods, said: “I’d like to congratulate Mark for his vigilance and quick thinking. I am very proud of him and indeed of all our staff who are out there working hard to improve the wellbeing of this borough.

“Not only are they doing jobs but they are also out there in the community taking a wider responsibility.”