FIREFIGHTERS have helped clean an elderly person's home after being called out to a false alarm.

Crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were called to the property yesterday.

Instead of arriving to extinguish a fire, they were greeted by an elderly occupier in need of "care and team work."

Pictures shared on Twitter show piles of rubbish built up in the residents home, with used bottles and plastics littered across the kitchen.

In the act of kindness, crews cleared the mound of waste, leaving the property almost unrecognisable.

Sharing the pictures on Twitter, operational fire service watch manager Matt Myerscough said: "Crews from Haywards Heath Fire and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were called out to a false alarm call today but found the elderly occupier in need of our care and team work.

"Remember it's the simple gestures in life that makes someone's day and possibly life safer.

"#MentalHealthMatters."

Hoarding can be a fire safety risk, as it can make it difficult to escape in the event of an emergency. 

Some items also pose a threat, as combustible materials such as newspapers, wood and paper increase the risk of a fire.

For tips to help make your home safe, visit https://www.esfrs.org/.