Heroic tree surgeons burst into two homes to free pets trapped in a huge blaze.

Sam Blackwell, 33, and Alex Grimshaw, 21, were on their way to work when they saw the huge flames and smoke on Wednesday morning.

The fire had started in the roof of a semi-detached house but spread to a neighbouring home.

The brave duo rushed to check the first house before breaking through the door of the second and saving three cats.

See today's Gazette for the full story