A QUICK-THINKING schoolboy has been hailed a hero after saving the life of an elderly neighbour.

Paul Moore, eight, was out playing when he heard a smoke detector alarm.

He realised it was at the home of 84-year-old Agnes Lawrenson, and ran to summon help.

His parents, Pauline and Billy, and some neighbours rushed into the smoke-filled house in Grange Drive and found Mrs Lawrenson collapsed in a downstairs toilet.

She had been cooking her tea when she suddenly took ill.

They managed to lift her up and lead her outside to safety.

Widnes firefighters this week praised Paul for his gallant efforts and paid tribute to the courage of the adults who helped in the rescue.

"This young boy's positive action and the determination of neighbours most probably saved this old lady's life," said sub-officer Graham Kirby.

"He did all the right things."

Paul recently found out all about fire safety on a visit to Widnes fire station with the Cubs.

His mum Pauline, of Grange Drive, Ditton said: "I am very proud of him.

"He came running in telling me that smoke was coming from the old lady's house.

"We managed to get a key from a neighbour. It was very black and full of smoke. You couldn't see a thing. We never thought of the danger. We just wanted to find the old lady.

"I don't think she would have lasted much longer. The smoke was getting really bad."

Widnes firefighters this week reminded residents to check that their smoke detectors are kept in good working order.

"It is no good just putting them up and forgetting about them," said sub-officer Kirby. "It is important, especially with the dark winter nights approaching, to check the batteries.

"This incident shows they can save lives."

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