A MAN is recovering in hospital today after a dramatic rescue from a blaze at a Newport tower block.

Residents were evacuated when fire broke out on the ninth floor of the ten-storey Hillview complex in the Gaer just before 2.30pm yesterday.

Firefighters used a hydraulic platform to tackle the blaze from outside while high-pressure pumps sent gallons of water through a pipe inside the tower block to the ninth-floor blaze.

The rescued man, 57-year-old Gareth Jones or 'Gabby', was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation. He is said to be in a stable condition.

It is believed the blaze started in his flat. Mr Jones' best friend and neighbour, Roy Webb, 45, discovered the fire and raised the alarm.

He said: "I went to see him, as I always do, but when I went to open the door to the flat there were plumes of thick black smoke. "I couldn't get in, the smoke just hit me, so I ran back downstairs to my flat and called the fire brigade.

"I just hope he's OK."

Thirty residents of the warden-controlled block of about 50 flats were evacuated as firefighters battled the fire which sent clouds of thick black smoke into the air.

It took three crews from Duffryn, Malpas and Maindee less than half an hour to bring the blaze under control.

Residents gathered outside as firefighters emerged from the council tower block carrying Mr Jones on a stretcher.

Assistant divisional officer Jeff Scrivens of the South Wales Fire Service said: "This was one of the more complex incidents because of the height of the flats.

"It's too early to determine a cause but we are not treating it as suspicious."

Fire investigators and scenes of crime officers from Gwent police are investigating.

Ron Smith, 82, lives on the eighth floor, directly beneath Mr Jones' flat. He said: "I was on the phone when the alarm went. I was lucky, it happened right above me. My flat wasn't damaged but I don't know what state it's going to be in with all the water they used. It shook me up a bit." Simon Moseley, who lives on the sixth floor, added: "We get so many fire alarms it's ridiculous. We all thought it was another alarm until we saw the flames."

Evacuated residents were provided with shelter, tea and biscuits at the nearby Church of St Martin in the Gaer, until most were allowed back home just before 4pm.