A pensioner who rescued his best friend by hauling him free from his burning home has won a top bravery award.

Trevor Wood, 70, was praised by firefighters for battling through smoke and flames to rescue his 90-year-old neighbour Reg Ingram.

Mr Ingram was slumped over his walking trolley overcome with smoke from a chip-pan fire in the kitchen of his house in Chinnor, in January.

Mr Wood initially called on his neighbour because he thought he had suffered a power cut — but then saw flames in the kitchen.

He said: "I realised there were flames in the sink, but when I looked closer I saw it was much worse.

"I took a deep breath and went in. Anyone else would have done the same."

Mr Wood grabbed Mr Ingram, hauled him out of the kitchen and closed the door to stop the fire spreading.

Mr Wood added: "I had to get him out — there was simply no other option."

Mr Ingram, who escaped with just minor burns to his arm, died in June following a long illness.

Chief Fire Officer John Parry, of Oxfordshire Fire Service, handed Mr Wood his Chief Fire Officer's Commendation for Bravery at a ceremony last Thursday.

Mr Parry said: "Mr Wood's selfless actions helped save the life of his neighbour and there are few things more praiseworthy than that." Mr Ingram's son Rex, 64, also praised Mr Wood.