MONKTON residents say they were lucky to escape with their lives when a 'blazing inferno' broke out in an upstairs apartment.

For over three hours firefighters battled the blaze, which started shortly after 11pm at 26 Colley Court on Friday, and left the family in the neighbouring flat homeless.

The occupants of the affected flat, who wish to remain anonymous, are staying with relatives until the county council can re-house them.

The fire was spotted by Nigel Hart, who was visiting his daughter Sharon at Flat 21, Colley Court.

Mr Hart quickly alerted the residents and contacted the fire service.

Louise Potter, 31, of 22 Colley Court, said: "Nigel is a hero, he saved our lives. He came banging on our doors and when we saw the smoke we left screaming.

"I really don't feel safe here anymore, you can see how dangerous it looks but I don't have anywhere else to go."

Other residents echoed these sentiments and said that they have asked the county council to fit fire doors in the past and that they should provide them with alternative accommodation.

Safety fears and the smell of smoke have already forced some of the tenants out of the council block.

County councillor for Monkton, Pearl Llewellyn, said: "Personally, I don't think these young girls should have to go back into those flats if they don't feel safe and the county council should take notice of their feelings."

The unoccupied apartment in which the fire broke out was gutted by the blaze and a downstairs flat was also damaged, primarily by water.

The premises have been boarded up for public safety.

A county council spokesman said: "Officers were called out around midnight to assess the safety of the building at the request of the Fire Brigade. They found it to be structurally sound but in need of major repair and maintenance work."