A man had to frantically grab his dog and run out of his house after his garage and conservatory went up in flames in a Norfolk village.
Brian Prestoe, 64, didn't even realise his property in Ormesby St Margaret, near Great Yarmouth, was up in flames until he heard the glass crack as the fire started to spread last night
Mr Prestoe grabbed his dog Bob and ran outside the front of the Barton Way house he has lived in for 35 years to safety.
He said: “I’m sad and annoyed to have lost items, but on the positive side I haven’t lost anything sentimental like photos of me with my partner Maggie who died 18 months ago and stuff of my family.
“It’s mainly tools and my craft stuff which I've lost, things such as aeroplane models which I made, Spitfires and Hurricanes and other stuff, one even had a four-foot wing span."
Eight fire crews were called to tackle the fire at about 7.25pm last night and they battled to put it out until 1am.
Locals were warned to remain indoors with their windows and doors shut while teams carried out checks, which have now been completed with Mr Prestoe's home deemed safe.
READ MORE: Eight fire crews tackle house fire in Barton Way in Ormesby
Mr Prestoe's dog is a cross between a poodle and a red setter.
He said: “I’m just so happy the house is alright, liveable and me and my dog Bob are unhurt.
“I can’t thank the neighbours and fire brigade enough they have been so kind and offered to help.
“I stayed at a friend's house last night, and Bob is at a friend's house currently until the smell of smoke passes, it will be nice to have him home with me soon."
He added: "If you don't laugh you'll cry. It's fair to say I’m gonna have to get some new paint brushes and tools to redecorate because they are burnt to beyond use."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here