TWO quick-thinking binmen came to the rescue of a 33-year-old man after fire broke out at his home. Flames and thick smoke tore through the house just off Dobwalls Hill at around 11am on Monday, as the man attempted to escape through a first floor window. Caradon refuse collectors Paul Huggins and Gary Davey were stuck in traffic in their transit van on the way through the village when they noticed the blaze, stopping their van alongside the burning house and assisting in the rescue operation. While Gary called for the emergency services Paul began to help the man, who had escaped out of his window and had scrambled onto the porch roof. The man, however, appeared to be suffering from serious smoke inhalation, and was said to be almost unconscious by the time Paul carried him to safety. Four other motorists joined in the rescue, with one passer-by, thought to be either an off-duty ambulance driver or a St John Ambulance volunteer, using his medical training to resuscitate the man. It was at this point that Gary heard the ambulance making its way up Dobwalls Hill: 'I stopped the traffic because I heard the ambulance. I thought that it would give them a clear run up the hill,' said Mr Davey. 'The fire brigade came as well but it seemed like ages... but then you don't think about that.' Once the man was in the care of the ambulance crew, Paul returned to the property after hearing a dog whining. 'We heard the dog barking, so the neighbours helped us to get to it. I had to kick the gate in to get the dog that was trapped in the kennel. There was so much smoke around, and flames pouring out of the house, but you don't think about yourself.' As the dog raced out of the kennel, it was caught by BBC Spotlight presenter Natalie Cornah who carried it away from the building. A section of the carriageway was closed in both directions immediately to allow the fire services to get to the house, with lunchtime traffic queued back as far as Trerulefoot roundabout while diversions were set up. The victim was taken to Derriford Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation, but was released on Wednesday. However, he and his partner, who works in the Crib Box in Liskeard, and their two girls are now left homeless. Staff at the shop have set up a donation box for the family, which has been met with generosity from customers.

n Police have since arrested and bailed a local 33- year-old man on suspicion of arson. He is due to appear at Charles Cross police station on November 23. Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact police via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111