A flat was set alight when an elderly woman heated up a wheat bag to keep warm.

The pensioner, who lives in Edgehill Close, Worthing, heated the bag in the microwave to keep warm overnight.

But firefighters were called to the bungalow at 3.58am today by neighbours who saw smoke billowing from a bedroom window.

The heat of the microwaved bag had set fire to the lady's mattress.

Sussex Police told firefighters the lady had refused to leave the building but when they arrived she had been coaxed out and was given oxygen treatment.

Fifteen men battled the flames, using breathing apparatus and hose reels.