AN ELDERLY man was helped from his burning home by a neighbour in Malvern Wells this morning (Monday).

The man, named by neighbours as Geoffrey Bishop, 85, was inside his home in Green Lane when the blaze broke out in the roof space just before 8am.

Upon seeing the flames from his window, neighbour Phil Hall leapt into action, running over to the burning house while still in his dressing gown.

The 58-year-old, who lives next door, said: "I grabbed a hammer and smashed the glass in the front door to open the door, went upstairs and went into the bedroom - but he wasn't there.

"He was on his stair lift coming down. He was fine, I said: 'Come on we have got to get out.'

"You could hear - in his bedroom, the hall and the back corner bedroom - you could hear the crackling."

He helped Mr Bishop into his mobility scooter, and the pair left the burning house - Mr Hall holding Mr Bishop's pet dog.

Within around five minutes, engines from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service were at the scene and began tackling the inferno, which raged through the detached house until much later in the morning.

It is not yet known what caused the fire to start.

Adrian Thompson, station commander from Droitwich Fire Station, estimated the blaze had destroyed around 90 per cent of the roof and 60 per cent of the first floor.

A paramedic in a rapid response vehicle also attended the scene, however Mr Bishop had not suffered smoke inhalation and was discharged at the scene.

Station commander Thompson said: "Crews mobilised this morning to reports a roof on fire and smoke issuing from this building. Prior to our arrival, the only occupant was assisted from the building.

"When the crews arrived they were met with a severe fire involving the complete roof structure.

"We have been able to contain the fire to the roof and first floor, we also are attempting to minimise damage."

A total of five engines were at the scene, including a water carrier from Evesham Fire Station.

The crews remained at the charred property for most of the day to ensure the flames were completely extinguished.

Group commander Martin Lown said: "At this stage it is more about salvaging what we can. It is quite significant damage to the property, it is an old property.

"He [Mr Bishop] is with neighbours at the moment and his family members are coming to support him. Fire Victim's Unit from the British Red Cross will come and help him."

Kevin Rolph, who runs Dell House Bed and Breakfast just across the road, had been helping taking care of Mr Bishop following the fire.

He said: "He has got out okay, he is obviously shaken. The neighbours have gathered round, most of the neighbours have contributed something.

"It is deeply saddening, but the important thing is that he is out."

Kathleen Hollands, 79, neighbour and long-term friend of Mr Bishop, said: "You could just see flames, the whole roof had gone. It was a terrible sight.

"It is horrific for him, he is not very mobile. He had to use a scooter in the house, he has stair lifts in the house and a dog.

"I think it is terribly sad because it was a lovely house, he kept it beautifully."