FIREFIGHTERS braved a burning building to rescue an elderly woman from a house fire near Allendale.

The 77-year-old woman, believed to be the sole occupant of the house, was rescued from the kitchen and flown to hospital, where her condition is described as life-threatening.

The blaze is believed to have been spotted by a member of the public at around 3.30pm on Sunday.

The passer-by alerted the emergency services and neighbours.

Members of the public attempted to get into the house, in the Thornley Gate area, but were forced back by the ferocity of the fire.

Four fire engines – two from Hexham, one from Allendale and one from Alston – attended the house fire.

Firefighters entered the house, which was well ablaze, wearing breathing apparatus.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service was also in attendance and the woman was placed in an induced coma by their doctor-led trauma team.

She was then flown to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary for treatment.

Firefighters continued to work to extinguish the blaze, which caused substantial damage to the house.

Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service says fire investigation work is on-going. A spokesman said: “Fires of this nature are particularly unusual in rural Tynedale and this was a prompt and professional response from all those involved.

“The property did have working smoke alarms and it is worth reminding householders they should check their alarms every week.”