An elderly patient was rescued by firefighters after a blaze broke out in a hospital ward.

They found the elderly man with his clothes on fire after being alerted to the blaze at Argyll and Bute general hospital in Lochgilphead last night.

Firefighters from Lochgilphead and Tarbert Community Fire Stations attended the scene at about 7.43pm, according to Strathclyde Fire and rescue service.

"On arrival at the scene Strathclyde Fire and Rescue personnel encountered an elderly male patient whose clothes had caught fire," a statement from the force said.

"They ensured that the fire was completely extinguished after hospital staff had initiated firefighting actions to deal with the situation prior to their arrival."

Firefighters also helped medical staff in the trauma care of the injured man who had sustained "extensive injuries".

He has been transferred to Mid Argyll Community Hospital for further treatment.

The cause of the fire will be investigated by the Strathclyde Fire and Rescue's Specialist Investigation Team.