BOSSES at a West Oxfordshire plastics factory which burst into flames have pledged to be back in production by Monday.

A trapped workman was rescued by a colleague during last night's major fire at Oxford's Plastics near Chipping Norton.

About 80 firefighters were called to the factory near Enstone airfield after the fire started at about 8pm.

Twelve staff were inside the plastics unit and one man who was trapped had to be pulled to safety by a colleague. The rescued man, who had breathed in smoke, was taken to hospital.

About 10 firefighters remained at the factory today to damp down the burnt plastics unit.

Incident commander Jason Crapper said he believed the fire had started during a welding incident. He estimated that the flames had caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

A statement on the website of Oxford Plastics said: "The fire brigade were on site within minutes, and they managed to contain the blaze within about  two hours.

"One member of staff was overcome by smoke but several operatives mounted a heroic rescue to pull the man from the building. We are pleased to report that no-one was seriously hurt during the rescue.

"We'd like to thank our staff for their quick-thinking and brave response to the situation, as well as the fire brigade for their efforts in bringing the blaze under control so quickly.

"Fortunately only a small part of the building was damaged and we fully expect to be back in production on Monday."

A South Central Ambulance spokesman said a 55-year-old man was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital for treatment for inhaling smoke, and burns.

She said: "He was unconscious but breathing when he was taken to hospital."