The families of Bob and Deb Fry and Jean Dinsmore, have thanked the people of Wiltshire for their support since the trio's deaths in Portugal last week.

Lesley Spencer, Mrs Fry's sister, thanked the couple's friends and colleagues, plus the hundreds of otherds who have sent messages of condolenes for their kindness and support.

She said: "My sister and her husband naturally chose to live and bring up their children in a very extraordinary town, where my brother-in-law was born.

"They could not have known what a good choice they made.

She has given up her life in London to move into the Fry's home to care for their children Rosie, 11, and George, nine.

The youngsters were left with cuts and bruises after they were rescued by their parents from the strong currents off the coast of Praia do Tonel.

She said: "I would not have Rosie and George here today if Roy and dean had not been ready to risk their lives and Jean, Deb and Bob prepared to lose theirs."

Widower Roy Dinsmore, 47, said he hoped to try to regain some semblance of a normal life for the sake of his children Lydia 11, and Alex, nine.

He said: All the children involved need the opportunity to return to a routine that is as normal as possible in the circumstances.

"We have no desire to reopen painful memories in an attempt to either correct inaccuracies in reporting or to find someone to blame."

Friend Dean Plumb who was also part of the rescue bid said: "We only ask now that we are given the space we need to come to terms with events and move on positively."

The families each made their own individual statements, which are reproduced below.

Roy Dinsmore's statement

"We would like to thank the media for the way our privacy has been respected since our return from the Algarve.

"All the children involved nee the opportunity to return to a routine that is as normal as possible in the circumstances.

"Last Monday we were involved in a tragic accident where those that lost their lives did so acting with the finest motives and this will come as no surprise to anyone who had the privilege to know them.

"The support we have received from official agencies and commercial organisations both here and in Portugal has been massive and much appreciated but I want to finish by recognising the help were received from other holiday makers on the beach in Sagres. Their names are all unknown to us but their kindness will never be forgotten."

Lesley Spencer's statement

"Just two weeks ago Deb, Bob, Rosie and George together with Jean, Roy, Sue and Dean and their respective children were preparing to go on holiday. Six children and six adults all friends, sharing schools and a community.

"Three of the adults died saving the lives of some of their children. I would not have Rosie and George here today if Roy and Dean had not been ready to risk their lives and Jean, Deb and Bob prepared to lose theirs. Thank you and thanks to all the brave holidaymakers on that beach who battled to save the lives of strangers.

"Rosie is only 11 and George is just nine. It is a tough time for them but they are doing so well that we cheer up friends and relatives by letting them see the kids. They always feel better having done so. "I have left London and will be staying here in Deb and Bob's home with the children, gradually returning to as normal a life as we can, as soon as we can.

"My sister and her husband naturally chose to live and bring up their children in a very extraordinary town called Wootton Bassett, where my brother-in-law was born. They could not have known what a good choice they made.

"The minute's silence before the rugby match, the missing team mate remembered before the football. The many friends and complete strangers who have rallied around and helped as much as they can in whatever way they can. We are all so lucky to live here.

"From all of us, thank you."

Dean Plumb's statement

"As a family we have so much to be grateful for, we survived a terrible tragedy and have so many people to whom we owe our gratitude.

"However the loss of our dear friends is difficult to come to terms with. We've known Jean and Roy for many years, through them we met Bob and Debs. They each had so many qualities that we admired. We have always been most taken by their dedication to their families. Their sense of community and their capacity to find fun in almost any situation. They have left behind four wonderful children and our aim now is to provide the families with any support we can.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who helped our son Sam and then later myself out of the water to finally end our ordeal. We would also like to thank the British Consul and the staff at Parque Da Floresta who gave such incredible support and comfort to the families on a personal note I am grateful to all the staff at the HBA Hospital in Portimao.

I will never forget their professionalism of the humour and spirit with which they went about their work.

"You will know that I work for British Airways and we wish to say a special thank you to my friends and colleagues there for their support in repatriating our families back to the UK.

Here, the support of the Wiltshire police has been so welcome and we would like to extend our gratitude to the Chief Constable and his staff for their efforts."