Man lucky to be alive
Firefighter say a man is lucky to be alive after a chip pan fire broke out at his home in Preston today.
Crews were called to a first floor flat in Dawson Walk off North Road at 2.40am.
The 42-year-old, who had fallen asleep with the chip pan on, was woken by the smoke alarm and managed to extinguish the fire.
He was treated by the fire service for the effects of smoke inhalation before being taken to hospital for a precautionary check-up.
The fire caused severe damage to the kitchen.
Preston Fire watch manager Colin Byers said: "If it hadn't have been for that smoke alarm he would not be with us. There's no doubt about it."

Pasta pan causes blaze
A woman was taken to hospital suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation after a pan fire at a Penwortham home.
Fire crews were called to the property in Hawkhurst Road, just before 2.25am yesterday.
A pan of pasta had boiled dry.
The woman was taken to hospital for a precautionary check-up.

Assault victim in hospital
A Preston man is in hospital following a large disturbance in a Lancashire town.
The man suffered head injuries after being assaulted on Church Street in Darwen at 11.50pm on Saturday.
Police investigations are underway.

Flat damaged in kitchen fire
A fire broke out in the kitchen of a Lancaster flat.
Firefighters attended the automatic fire alarm at Millrace Court in the Skerton area of the city at 11.55am on Saturday.
The kitchen and flat decor were severely damaged by smoke.

Grill drama
Fire crews were called to a grill pan fire at a Lancashire home on Saturday.
Two pumps attended the incident in Devonshire Road, Morecambe, just before 2.25pm on Saturday.

Minister sees youth courts
Government minister Beverley Hughes is to visit controversial new peer courts in Preston today.
The National Centre for Restorative Justice in Preston is running a pilot scheme where offenders who have admitted guilt face penalties imposed by a panel of their peers.
Ms Hughes, the regional minister for the North West, is due to tour the centre and meet youth and adult peers.

Spuds are the most popular
The humble spud has beaten off strong competition to become Lancashire's most popular vegetable.
One in five Lancastrians named the potato their favourite vegetable, placing it ahead of favourites like peas, carrots, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
Head of produce Simon Hughes said: "It's such a versatile vegetable – you could say it's a national institution."

Cutting the death toll
A new magazine is being distributed to colleges across Lancashire to reduce deaths among young female drivers.
The Government is working to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads.
Hi magazine has been produced by the Highways Agency's national Safety, Strategy and Research team. It features information from basic maintenance to advice on changing a tyre, safety tips during a breakdown and even wearing the correct footwear for driving.

A big smile for James
Tickets are on sale for a night of entertainment to raise money for the Smile with James charity.
Four-year-old James Singleton, of Roots Lane, Catforth, has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and respiratory problems. The event will be held on Friday, April 4 at Preston Grasshoppers Rugby Club at 7pm. Tickets cost £14.50. Call 01772 690 906. Singer Stephen Bayliss and Jim Dandies Duo will entertain.

Meeting Mayor
Children from a Preston school were visiting the Town Hall today. Pupils from Ingol Primary School were being welcomed by the city's Mayor Coun Christine Abram.

>> Vote in our latest web poll