A woman has praised firefighters who today rescued her 14-year-old dog from a blaze at her Oxford home.

Helen Russell escaped from the house, in Grove Street, Summertown, but mongrel Max was trapped in an upstairs bedroom.

Firefighters using breathing equipment saved the dog, while other officers tackled the living room fire - caused by a candle on top of a television - in the early hours of this morning.

Mrs Russell, 59, right, who works at Oxford University's Worcester College, was treated for smoke inhalation before paramedics took her to the John Radcliffe Hospital for a precautionary check-up.

She said: "The fire brigade were wonderful. The fire could have got very bad, but they were marvellous and went to find Max and carried him down the stairs.

"Max was completely oblivious to everything and was probably more frightened about sitting in the fire engine. He doesn't seem to have been affected by the fire.

"He is a rescue dog and is very old and deaf. I've had him since he was a pup. All he wants now is a walk."

Mrs Russell discovered the blaze at 3am. She said: "I always close the living room door when I go upstairs, so it was lucky I heard the crackling of the burning plastic.

"I went down and saw the flames and rushed back upstairs to get a duvet to smother the fire.

"I have been very lucky, thanks to the fire brigade coming so quickly."

The fire has caused smoke damage to Mrs Russell's house, and she has now vowed to fit a smoke alarm.

Station officer Steve Vermeulen said: "When we arrived, one crew went to tackle the fire and the other crew went to rescue Max.

"He was a cutie and very placid, which is unusual, because most dogs are quite yappy in a fire. Max is quite deaf, so that may have made him a bit more calm."

Mr Vermeulen said the fire could have ended in disaster.

He said: "Had there been a smoke alarm this fire would have been noticed much sooner and would have prevented the extensive smoke damage.

"Also, anyone using candles should ensure they are out before going to bed. Candles are one of the most common causes of house fire."