AN ELDERLY man suffered minor burns after he tackled a blaze in his garage.

The 71 year-old was taken to Southend Hospital by family members for treatment to burns on his hands and knees.

He had been working on his lawn mower when it set alight.

By the time firefighters arrived at his home in Eastwood Boulevard, Leigh, just after 11.50am yesterday the flames had already been put out.

Angus Neale, sub officer at Southend fire station, said: “There was very little structural damage to the garage and luckily his injuries were only minor; which is the most important thing.

“It’s very rare for people to tackle fires themselves but he was acting on instinct.”

Firefighters ensured the garage was safe before leaving the scene at 12.05pm.