A couple in their 60s were rescued from their smoke logged home by firefighters early this morning.

Slough and Langley firefighters hurried to the house at St Paul's Avenue, Slough at 5.30am after the couple were wakened by their smoke alarm.They realised their house was full of smoke and they could not get downstairs.

Slough's watch manager Chris Bagshaw said: "Our control room team spoke to the couple by phone as we were on our way, giving them survival advice - keeping the door closed, putting towels round the door and opening the window.

"They were waiting at the window when we arrived and we rescued them by ladder."

The fire is understood to have started in a kitchen fuse box.

Firefighters rescued the couple 11 minutes after they had called for help.

The team used a hose reel, breathing apparatus and a Co2 extinguisher and were on the scene for two hours.

It is understood the couple escaped with mild smoke inhalation and that damage to the house is mainly smoke related.

Watch manager Bagshaw said: "This incident highlights how important a smoke alarm is. It woke the couple and enabled them to take immediate action."

An ambulance crew attended the scene and couple were taken to Wexham Park Hospital, Slough for a check up.