A family who were rescued from their burning home have spoken of their gratitude to the former firefighter who saved them.

Mark and Sarah Arnold were having breakfast when, unknown to them, the loft of their home in Beaumont Road, Worthing, burst into flames.

Warren Hill spotted the smoke rising from the roof as he cycled to work and raced to save the couple and their daughters Amelia, 13, and Hannah, 15, from danger.

Mrs Arnold, 42, told The Argus: "He just rushed up and told us all to get out.

"Had he not raised the alarm I don't know what would have happened. It took over so quickly.

"We are so lucky to have come out alive, we're so grateful to Warren.

Had he not hammered on the door we wouldn't be here today. I dread to think what would have happened if he hadn't been there."

Mr Hill, who was a firefighter in Partridge Green between 1989 and 1999, banged hard on the door to get the family out before alerting neighbours and calling 999.

The 38-year-old, from West Court Road, Worthing, who is now training to be a martial arts instructor, used his firefighting knowledge to advise the operator about how many engines to send. He also told neighbours to move their cars to make way for the fire brigade.

Mr Hill, who works for a car parts company, said: "I was on my way to work when I saw smoke coming through the roof and I instantly went into fire brigade mode."

A faulty light fitting in the roof of the house was blamed for starting the fire, which took six fire engines more than an hour to get under control.

Although smoke alarms were installed, it is thought they failed to sound because the fire started in the attic and smoke escaped through the roof. Mrs Arnold said: "We're homeless, we're devastated but thank goodness Warren was there."