FIREFIGHTERS rescued a man from a Park North ground floor flat fire earlier this morning.

Crews from Swindon and Stratton fire stations were called shortly before 5.40am to reports of a fire in a two storey block off Dulverton Avenue.

The first call came from a resident in an upstairs flat, reporting a fire alarm sounding in the block. A second reported a smell of burning.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the occupant, a 57-year-old man, had been rescued from the flat and treated at the scene by firefighters and paramedics. He was taken to Great Western Hospital for treatment.

Station Manager Dave Adamson said it appeared the fire had started in the bedroom. Fire investigators are currently working to establish the cause of the blaze.

The incident showed the importance of having a working smoke alarm and testing it regularly, he said.