People were evacuated from their homes in East Preston after a main gas pipe sprung a leak.

Homeowners in East Preston had to leave their houses for more than five hours on Saturday evening while emergency repair work was carried out.

Kathleen Wardle raised the alarm when she came home and smelled gas.

Firefighters and police were also called and helped evacuate ten people from four homes in Mayfield.

Mrs Wardle said: "We went to see the grandchildren and other neighbours stayed with people over the road.

"I was very impressed by the way the whole operation was carried out. The firemen helped an elderly neighbour out of his house. They were great.

"The whole situation was under control very quickly and carried out very smoothly."

A spokesman for gas maintenance firm Transco said: "The residents were evacuated as a matter of safety. The gas mains had been damaged and had to be mended.

"We are thankful to the person who reported the problem so quickly. We would always urge people to call us if they are in any doubt that they can smell gas."