HOMES have been evacuated and roads closed as firefighters battle to get a town house fire under control.

Firefighters have confirmed no one else was inside a three-storey town house which caught fire this morning.

Vange Hill Drive has been blocked off by police near Sturrocks and a number of homes next to the burning hosue in Gambleside have been evacuated.

There were fears the elderly homeowner's sister may have been inside as firefighters with breathing apparatus searched the property.

The owner, a man believed to be in his 70s, was taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation after the fire started at around 8am.

Neighbours said he was well-known for hoarding a large amount of items in his home and the council had cleared it less than two years ago but the rubbish had built back up.

Crews are still struggling to put the fire out due to a large amount of junk and clutter stored inside the property, which they have also been trying to clear.

Up to seven fire engines have been at the scene of the house.

Police, ambualnce crews and the national grid are also at the scene.