A Newport hero who saved his neighbours' lives when a fire broke out at a city guest house on Thursday night has been praised by a local councillor.

Richard Higgs, 24, (pictured) who lives at Arundel Guest House, Chepstow Road, Newport, was returning home at 11pm on Thursday when he heard the smoke alarm from inside.

He rushed inside to wake other residents who were asleep in their rooms when Richard, with a pillowcase over his face to protect him from the thick smoke, woke them up and told them to get outside.

Two fire engines attended the blaze which started in a bathroom. South Wales Fire Service believe it was caused by a discarded cigarette.

Maindee councillor Harry Williams said: "It's comforting to know there are people who can still do public-spirited things like this.

"50 years ago I spent a couple of years in the Newport fire brigade and I know that smoke rather than fire is usually a killer, so who knows what would have happened if this lad hadn't come along?

"I'm hoping to get these people some recognition from the council, just to make them aware that we are very grateful for their actions."

According to residents, at least six people were evacuated and at least four people were treated for smoke inhalation.

Richard said: "I came in and I had a pillowcase on me. I had that wrapped over my face because of the smoke.

"I knocked everyone up - I knocked on every door and got them out. I saved some lives - I got them all out, anyway.

"I got taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital myself from smoke inhalation but they let me out when I was all right."

One of the residents, some of whom are housed by social services, said: "We heard all the fire alarms going off in the middle of the night, and Rich came to the door and said 'Get something over your mouth and get out quick'.

"The smoke was so thick in here I couldn't see anything."

And Alfie Brown, 18, who was staying with a resident, said: "If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be alive."