A BRAVERY award has been given to a stroke victim who ran into a burning building to rescue a disabled woman.

Eric Lawrence, of Stone Cross Lea, Chatham, thought nothing of his own safety when he dashed to the aid of wheelchair-bound Violet Fitzdouglas, 72, after a fire broke out in the living room of her bungalow last June.

The great-grandmother, who lives alone at her home in Gravesend, said: "I was in the kitchen making myself a drink when I heard a bang."

She went to investigate and found a blaze roaring in the corner of the room with flames leaping across the ceiling.

Her cries for help alerted neighbours Michael Sales, 52, and he and Mr Lawrence dashed next door.

Mr Sales went in and raised the alarm, but realised Mrs Fitzdouglas had not followed him out of the building.

Although registered disabled himself after a stroke 10 years ago, Mr Lawrence, 55, then rushed in to help the pensioner escape.

He said: "There were flames and smoke everywhere. Violet appeared to be stuck with her wheelchair. She seemed to freeze so I just rushed in."

He has now been presented with a certificate of congratulations from Chief Fire Officer Peter Coombs at Kent Fire and Rescue Service headquarters.