A Conservative councillor has been hailed as a 'local hero' for saving his village's only pub from being destroyed in a fire.

Felix Bloomfield, 37, helped evacuate about 40 drinkers when fire broke out in the kitchen at the Shepherd's Hut, in Ewelme, near Wallingford, on Saturday.

He then went back in alone to tackle the blaze with a fire blanket and a powder fire extinguisher.

Cllr Bloomfield was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Landlady Di Campbell-White said: "He switched off the electricity and shut all the doors. He acted with a very cool head. The pub was saved thanks to him. He's definitely a local hero."

She said the thermostat on the chip fryer appeared to have failed, causing it to over-heat. Three staff were in the kitchen at the time.

Cllrr Bloomfield, who represents Benson, said he had surprised himself with his own actions.

He said: "The flames were licking the ceiling of the kitchen, and it was a bit hairy for a while. It went like a flash but I was probably in there for between three and five minutes. You just get out when you've had enough. Looking back on it, I think 'what was I doing?'."

Two fire engines and an ambulance attended. No one was hurt.

Miss Campbell-White added that Mr Bloomfield, who lives nearby in Eyre's Lane, might now be in line for the odd free drink.