Mayo pensioner hospitalised following house fire

A man had a lucky escape this morning following a fire at his home at Davitt's Terrace in Castlebar.

He has been taken to Mayo University Hospital as a precautionary measure.

His condition is not believed to be life threatening.

The owner of the house, a pensioner, was initially cared for by neighbours before he was taken to hospital.

A single storey dwelling was damaged in the fire which started around breakfast time.

The alarm was raised by staff members in the adjoining Carolan's Butchers Shop.

Fire brigade units brought the blaze under control after arriving swiftly to the scene.

Firemen were in attendance at the location an extended period.