DARWEN: A couple had a "lucky escape" after a discarded cigarette set fire to a bin and a carpet.

Fire crews called to the blaze in Bridge Street on Sunday said the occupants were about to go to bed before smelling smoke in the kitchen. They put out the small blaze which had spread to the carpet.

Watch manager Tony Spencer said: "They were very lucky that they noticed the smoke. I would urge all smokers to make sure that cigarettes are properly extinguished in an ash tray."