A disabled man and a woman were rescued by firefighters today after flames engulfed their home near Worthing.

The blaze occurred in a bungalow in Highdown Way, Ferring, at 1.30am while the couple, believed to be in their 60s, were in bed.

The couple were found in bed, their faces covered in soot.

They were taken to Worthing Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and shock.

Leading Firefighter Graham Woods said: "The couple were in the bedroom when we got there. We had to fight through flames to get them out.

"The man was disabled and we carried both people out."

Six firefighters searched the house, which was badly damaged by smoke.

The fire is thought to have been started by a candle.

A fire brigade spokeswoman said: "It was a timely reminder, especially at Christmas, of the danger of burning candles and the importance of fitting and maintaining a smoke alarm."

Mr Woods added: "There was smoke billowing from all the windows when we got there.

"Crews from Worthing and East Preston battled through smoke to search the building as we knew there were persons inside."

The bungalow was not fitted with a smoke alarm.