Firefighters say an elderly woman they rescued in Park South is lucky to be alive.

The woman, who has not been named, was rescued from her sheltered housing flat at Gardner House, Trinity Court shortly after 10pm on Wednesday.

Four fire engines arrived and firefighters using breathing apparatus and hoses entered the flat and carried the lady outside where she was treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation before being rushed to the Great Western Hospital.

She was released from hospital in the early hours of Thursday and is now staying with a relative.

Station Officer Pete Townsend from Swindon's Central Fire Station was one of the first on the scene.

He said: "We were all very surprised that this lady was still in the flat.

"This was clearly a very intense fire and the smoke was very sooty."

Assistant Divisional Officer Ian Hunter was another officer who attended.

He said: "She was very lucky, the alarm system in the building was connected to a helpline at Swindon Borough Council, so we were contacted very quickly.

"Inside the flat, the smoke was very acrid. All kinds of plastics were burning in the kitchen which was creating thick smoke which can affect both young and old people very quickly."

The cause of the fire is not yet known but fire officials are urging homeowners to take care at home particularly while preparing and cooking food.

No-one from the shelter housing complex was available for comment.