ARCHIE, a two-year-old dog, has been hailed a hero this week after saving his owner from a fire at her Salisbury home.

Libby Piggins was fast asleep in her house off Windsor Street when she was woken by the Labrador Springer-cross barking for all he was worth.

She was confronted by thick, choking, black smoke.

"I remember waking up and everything being black," she said.

"I couldn't see but I made my way down the stairs and got out and Archie came out with me.

"I started screaming and my neighbours arrived and then the ambulance and the fire brigade.

The fire, caused by an electrical fault, started in a kitchen socket just before 1am on the night that telephones and the 999 system were out of action in south Wiltshire.

Libby (35) was treated at the scene for the effects of smoke inhalation.

She described her neighbours and friends as "brilliant".

"I want to thank them all," she said.

"But Archie is my best mate. I've had him since he was a puppy. He's extra-special now.

"He knew there was something wrong and he warned me - he is a real hero.