A HOME has been severely damaged in a gas explosion is Blackburn.

Firefighters were called to Nuttall Street, near Ewood Park, at 12.30pm today after reports the kitchen extension of a terraced house had been involved in the blast.

An elderly woman was in the property at the time and crews said she was lucky not to have been seriously hurt.

Paramedics were called to make sure the woman was not suffering any injuries.

Watch manager Rob Birtwistle said: "There has been a gas explosion and it has severely damaged the single-storey extension to the rear of the property to the extent that we have had to get the building inspector out as well as the search and rescue team to make sure it is safe.

"The woman was out of the house on our arrival and was with a neighbour. The paramedics went and checked her out."

The explosion has left four inch gaps in the brickwork of the extension.

The firefighter added: "It has created serious structural damaage."