A FIRE victim was dragged to safety by heroic passers-by after his business yard was engulfed in flames and smoke.

Pallet firm owner John Palmer was caught up in the blaze as he tried to stop it spreading.

The huge fire broke out at TPR on Gorse Lane industrial estate last Wednesday afternoon.

John believes the fire started when the forklift truck he was using suffered a fault.

He was still near the worst of the blaze with thick smoke filling his lungs when he was pulled to safety by heroic lifesavers Shama Martin and Ashley Morgan.

Full story in today's Clacton Gazette.