AN elderly man was rescued from a burning house after a gas explosion in a village near Harrogate last night.

The man, believed to be in his seventies, was rescued from his semi detached home in Finden Gardens, in Hampsthwaite at about 11.30pm.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire Service said the cause of the explosion was not yet known, but it blew out two front windows, one rear window and the kitchen door of the property.

The ensuing fire caused 90 per cent damage to the kitchen, and fire damage to the living room before fire crews could put it out.

The spokesman said the resident, whose injuries are not yet known, was rescued by a neighbour before the fire service arrived, and was taken to hospital.

Fire investigation officers and police officers are due back at the property this morning, to determine a cause.