Union leaders say the rescue of an 88-year-old woman from her burning flat proves crews should always respond to automatic alarms.

Brigade officials in East Sussex are considering a raft of changes, which include not automatically dispatching crews when a fire alarm sounds.

But the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) says the rescue of Cecilia Caira from her ground floor flat in Whitehawk Road, Brighton, is proof crews must immediately respond to such calls.

Firefighters from Roedean and Preston Circus were on the scene within five minutes after a detection system operated by Carelink at the Brighton and Hove City Council flat was activated.

The Carelink operator immediately called East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

On arrival, crews were told Cecilia could be trapped inside. They smashed down the door and found the pensioner in her smoke-filled flat.

Flames were beginning to move up the wall and Cecilia was coughing badly.

After carrying her to safety, firefighters extinguished the blaze, preventing it spreading to adjoining flats.

Cecilia was given first aid at the scene for burns to her leg and treated for smoke inhalation.

Steve Petch, vice-chairman of East Sussex FBU said: "The incident clearly demonstrates by reducing the number of fire engines and firefighters attending such calls, deaths, injuries and damage to property will increase."