FIREFIGHTERS have highlighted the need for domestic smoke alarms in every home after two recent incidents.

An alarm saved the lives of a Golborne family after a TV set caught fire in the early hours. But the absence of an alarm almost had serious consequences at a house in Rydal Street, Leigh.

The Bamber family of Hazel Grove, Golborne - dad James, mum Pat and daughter Polly-Ann - were woken by their alarm after a TV caught fire and filled the house with smoke.

A fire service spokesman said: "They were very lucky. It's pretty certain the smoke alarm saved lives.

"Mr Bamber led his family to safety but went back inside to find the cause of the blaze. We wouldn't recommend that. Our message is get out, call us out and stay out."

In Rydal Street the kitchen of a home was destroyed after a chip pan caught fire when the occupant fell asleep.

"There was no smoke alarm fitted in this case," said the fire service spokesman. "Luckily the young man was able to get outside quite quickly."

However, the fire also highlighted the problem the fire service sometimes has in dealing with incidents in narrow town centre streets.

"Because of cars double parked we had heck of a job reaching the house," he added. "We would ask that people consider the emergency services when they park their cars."