A HERO dragged his elderly neighbour to safety from her burning home in Benfleet.

The actions of Graham Howett, 44, saved the 67-year-old woman’s life when the blaze broke out at her home in Malwood Avenue early on Sunday morning (July 4).

He has now been recommended for a Fire Service Commendation by the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

The woman was checked over by paramedics but she did not need hospital treatment.

The blaze started shortly after 6am when neighbours heard a huge explosion as the garage door was blown off its hinges.

Firefighters donned breathing apparatus to tackle the fire, and then used high pressure fans to clear smoke which had spread to the two-storey home.

It was out completely by 7.10am.

It is being treated as accidental.

FOR FULL STORY SEE MONDAY'S ECHO