Relatives of the children who lost parents in Monday's horrific drowning tragedy in Portugal hope to bring them home in the next few days.

Bob Fry, 53, and wife Debbie, 49, of Springfield Crescent, Wootton Bassett, died as they helped save their daughter Rosie, 11, and son George, nine, from vicious waters in the Algarve.

Best friend Jean Dinsmore, 43, of Coxstalls, drowned as she aided the rescue of her children Lydia, 11, and Alex, nine.

Her husband Roy survived the heroic rescue attempt.

Mrs Fry's sister Lesley, who lives in London, has flown out to be with the orphaned Rosie and George.

The Foreign Office told the Gazette yesterday that British Consul officers were looking after the families.

An official added they were all "keen to get back to the United Kingdom as soon as possible".

The families had gone to the Algarve for a half term break, along with Dean and Susan Plumb, of South Marston, and their children.

A statement from the families of Mr and Mrs Fry and Mrs Dinsmore, issued by the Foreign Office, said: "We are deeply shocked by the events of Monday and need time to come to terms with the loss of three of our loved ones.

"Our priority now is to provide support to the bereaved children involved."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown yesterday pledged his full support to the four children.

He told a packed House of Commons: "Our heartfelt thoughts are with the children at this time.

"The consular services have been giving their every support to family and friends and we will do everything we can to support the children on their return to this country."

Friends and neighbours expressed their disbelief at the news this week.

Alison Muir, of Springfield Crescent, paid tribute to Mr and Mrs Fry.

"They were just such a lovely family," she said. "It is an awful shock and such a tragedy."