A timely warning has gone out to householders to check their smoke alarms.

It follows a severe fire at Manor Drive, Farmhill, over the weekend.

Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the well established blaze in the lounge of the property which had been caused by a cigarette end in a waste bin.

The occupant of the house was in bed at the time, but was woken by the sound of a smoke alarm in the hall. She saw a lot of smoke and telephoned the fire brigade prior to leaving the house.

Fire officers say without doubt the smoke alarm saved the life of the householder, and had it not been fitted the consequences would have been "disastrous."

The lounge was badly damaged by the fire and the rest of the property was severely damaged by heat and smoke.

Members of the public are being reminded to ensure they have a smoke alarm fitted in their house and check it regularly to ensure it's working properly.