POLICE have yet to officially name the pensioner who died in a fire at her home earlier this week.

The 79-year-old, who has been identified by neighbours as Beryl Wain, died in the blaze at her home in Sparch Avenue, Wolstanton, on Tuesday.

Firefighters believe the fire started when Mrs Wain fell asleep while smoking in her living room.

Paramedics were unable to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

Peter Dartford, chief fire officer for Staffordshire, said he was shocked that there were no working fire alarms fitted in Mrs Wain's semi-detached property.

Just an hour before the fire, a district nurse referred Mrs Wain to social services, which could have resulted in her receiving a Home Fire Risk Check by firefighters.

Mrs Wain is the second pensioner to die in a house fire in the county this month, following the death of 65-year-old Gillian Bromley at her home in South Street, Stafford, on New Year's Day.

To book a free Home Fire Risk Check, telephone 0800 0241 999.