JAN and Barry Norridge had a bad start to the New Year after a fire severely damaged their house and killed their dog.

The blaze, which broke out in Browning Close, Stratton St Margaret, during the early hours of New Year's Day, claimed the life of their six-year-old miniature dachshund, Bradley.

Mrs Norridge, 59, and Mr Norridge, 60, were too upset to talk about the ordeal. Their son, Blaine, 34, who lives nearby, said the house was in a terrible state.

He said: "The entire inside of the house is black. Everything is ruined. It is a nightmare."

The fire broke out in the utility room on the ground floor at around 2.15am. Two fire engines, from Stratton St Margaret, attended the scene and the blaze was put out by 3am.

Mr and Mrs Norridge managed to escape the house without injury, but it was too late to save their dog, Bradley.

A neighbour, Helen Lobb, was woken by the commotion.

She said: "There was smoke everywhere. We had just finished celebrating the New Year and this is an awful start. It is very sad."

The washing machine, tumble drier and freezer in the utility room were all melted by the fire and the house was heavily smoke-logged.

Fire officers are investigatting the cause.