Two elderly women had a lucky escape from their smoke-filled home near Abingdon after a fridge caught fire.

Fire crews were called by the residents to tackle the blaze in Wootton, at 10.35pm on Saturday.

The fire service control room operator told the ladies to "get out of the house and close the kitchen door".

These instructions helped save the women's lives and also save the rest of the home from the blaze, according to fire officers.

When fire crews arrived they discovered both women had breathed in smoke, so immediately treated them with oxygen until paramedics arrived.

The crews swiftly tackled the blaze and managed to keep the fire damage in the kitchen to a minimum.

Investigations are still being carried out, but it is believed the fire started in an old refrigerator that may have overheated.

Sub Officer Marcus Reay, of Abingdon fire station, said: "These two ladies had a very lucky escape from this blaze.

"Not only did they not have any smoke alarms in their home but they also went to look for the fire.

"Without the quick actions and advice from the fire control operator, it's possible the outcome could have been tragic.

"It was only last month that two pensioners died in Abingdon while trying to tackle the blaze themselves, so I urge everyone old and young to get out, call the fire brigade and stay out. Please leave the firefighting to the fire service."

Fire crews from Abingdon were in Wootton yesterday to visit residents and give them free home fire safety checks and advice.