THE BRAVERY of an Otley man who rescued his neighbours from a fire has been hailed by local councillors.

Olivier Masekessabou rushed to the assistance of his next-door neighbour, Matthew Dykes, and his two sons when their house on The Crossways caught fire in the early hours of Wednesday, July 11.

As recently reported, Mr Masekessabou grabbed a ladder to help the family climb down from an upstairs window - and when he found it to be too short, placed its legs on his shoulders so it would reach.

His quick-thinking ensured the Dykes all escaped serious harm, though they did need hospital treatment for smoke inhalation and, sadly, lost their family dog.

The blaze also destroyed most of the Dykes' house and its contents, while also leaving Mr Masekessabou's home - which he shares with his wife, Caroline and their two children - in need of a major clean-up.

Otley Town councillors, led by Town Mayor Councillor Mary Vickers (Lib Dem, West Chevin), expressed their admiration for Mr Masekessabou's actions when they met this week.

Councillors Mick Bradley (Green, Danefield) and Kim Holmes (Lib Dem, Ashfield?) both have children at the same school that is used by each of the families who were affected by the fire, Ashfield Primary.

Cllr Bradley said: "Olivier showed quick clear thinking and bravery in acting to support the ladder on his shoulders to allow the family to escape.

"Our concern now is that both families are fully supported at this difficult time."

Cllr Holmes added: "We all hope we would act in the way Olivier did in this situation but are not sure if we would manage it."

Afterwards councillors also discussed what could be done to assist both families in the aftermath of the fire.

Councillor Peter Jackson (Lib Dem, Ashfield), meanwhile, has organised a drop-in event in response to this incident and a previous fire in the town to provide local residents with advice on household insurance, fire safety and other related matters.

The session takes place at th Otley Core Resource Centre, on Orchard Gate, from 11am to 4pm on Wednesday, August 22.

Representatives from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, Leeds City Council's Housing department and estate agents Dale Eddison will be attending and answering questions.