The woman, believed to be in her 90s, is thought to have been unhurt following the blaze at her home.

Three fire crews were called after a report a resident was trapped at the terraced house.

But upon arrival they found the woman was being put into an ambulance by paramedics.

She was taken to be treated at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

The front window of the property blew out because of the force of the fire and the living room was severely damaged in the blaze.

Neighbour Neil Salmon, a father-of-three, helped to lead the woman to safety.

Mr Salmon, 37, said: "She knocked on my door but when I answered there was no one there.

"I noticed the flames and went in to get her. I went in the front room and directed her out. There was a fire in the corner of the room. She seemed all right. It was more smoke than anything."

Mr Salmon rang the fire brigade and crews from Peterlee, Wheatley Hill and Durham attended the scene.

The woman's son, who did not wish to be named, said: "I don't know what happened. My mother has been taken to hospital, but she is OK."

The incident in Windsor Street, Trimdon Colliery, was reported at 8.50am yesterday.

Michael Pearson, assistant district station manager at Peterlee Fire Station, said: "There is no indication to the cause as yet. Fire investigators are looking into it. It is not being treated as suspicious. The living room was severely damaged by fire. The rest of the house was heavily smoke logged."