AN ELDERLY lady and her dog had to be rescued from a burning house in Earley this afternoon.

Fire crews raced to the scene where two firefighters entered a flaming home to free the trapped woman and her pet.

Once outside it became clear the woman had suffered burns to her hands and smoke inhalation.

An ambulance later took her to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for further treatment to her injuries.

Ellie Gray, a spokesman for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said firefighters also pulled out a pet dog from the burning home.

She said: "We were called at 16.23 to a house fire in Silverdale Road, Earley.

"We sent crews from Wokingham Road, Whitley Wood and Caversham Road.

"The fire was dealt with by two officers using breathing apparatus and a single hose reel.

"A lady was rescued and given first aid by the officers and a dog was also rescued."

A spokesman for South Central Ambulance Service added: "We sent one ambulance, one rapid response crew and one ambulance officer.

"They were assessing one elderly female patient for burns to her hands and smoke inhalation.

"The patient has been taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital."