THE mother of a seven-year-old girl who alerted her family after a fire started in their home has praised her bravery.

Andrea Hodgson, 27, of Grizesdale Crescent, Ribbleton, believes her five children and partner would not be alive if it had not been for her quick-thinking daughter, Ashleigh, who woke them up after hearing the smoke alarm just before 5am yesterday (Wednesday).

Ashleigh, a pupil at Moor Nook County Primary, remembered safety advice given by fire officers last year at school and ran from her room to where her mother and her partner, Stephen Lowe, 28, were sleeping.

Miss Hodgson said: "She shook me and was crying, saying the house was on fire. She's very brave. I'm so proud of her."

She lifted Ashleigh and her brother, Alex, eight, out of the bedroom window to a neighbour who was waiting to catch them.

Mr Lowe took two year-old Leah, baby Paul, one, and Lewis who is almost three, down the smoke-logged stairs and out the front door.

The blaze, started by a cigarette that had fallen down the side of the sofa, caused smoke damage to the house.

It was attended by the fire service, police and paramedics. The family was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation, minor injuries and were tested for carbon monoxide poisoning. They were discharged later that day.

Andrea, a full-time mum, said: "I'll double and triple check that all cigarettes are put out and everything's switched off, in future.

"We're all shell-shocked and it's been a big reality check for us. It'll be a financial struggle getting back on our feet but we'll get through it.

"I just dread to think what could have happened if we didn't have a smoke alarm or Ashleigh hadn't heard it."

It is believed Peter Williamson, chief fire officer, will be nominating Ashleigh for a bravery award.

Leo Loughrew, fire station officer, said: "We're so incredibly proud of her. She couldn't have responded in a better way.

"As firefighters it's always great to see a family walk out of a house rather than us carrying them out."