Quick-thinking Thurrock man came to the rescue when he saved a house from going up in flames.

Alan Layfield, a waste operative who manages the Grays High Street and surrounding areas, was congratulated for his heroic actions after preventing a fire in Grays.

On Monday July 31, during Alan’s usual shift and usual rounds, he spotted smoke coming out from an upstairs window of a house in Bedford Road in Grays.

Mr Layfield said: “As I got closer to the house, the smoke thickened and I called the Fire Service straight away.

“While I waited for them to arrive, I banged on the doors. My first thought was that somebody could be inside.

“After there was no answer, I knocked on the neighbour’s door.

“The person in the house opposite managed to call the owners phone to let her know.

“The fire service and police turned up quickly after and a crisis was averted.”

A humble man, Mr Layfield claims he is no hero.

He continued: “I did what anybody else would have done.

“I didn’t do anything extra – I was just in the right place at the right time.”

Mr Layfield takes extreme pride in his work, with his father serving in World War Two.

He also celebrated his 47th birthday recently where he was given a small surprise party from his work team.

Lyn Carpenter, Chief Executive of Thurrock Council, praised Mr Layfield’s heroic actions.

She said: “I am very proud of Alan’s quick thinking and determination to take action.”

“Although he won’t agree, he absolutely went above and beyond in his work and saved a family untold stress and damage through his determination and quick actions.”