Dad Dave Cant from Chippenham has told how he had to catch the first flight home from a holiday in Greece after his home was ruined by fire.

Mr Cant’s mum Carol Hayes had been cooking sausages for her six-year-old grandson Jay at their home in Conway Road when the cooker went up in flames.

Firefighters were called to the scene and were able to control the fire, but the whole inside of the semi detached home has been covered with black soot.

Mrs Hayes, 63, said her young grandson calmed her down during the frantic moments before the fire crews arrived.

“Jay was great. He held my hand and said, it’s going to be okay, Nan,” she said.

“I used the kitchen extinguisher but it didn’t really do the job, so I called 999 and we got outside.”

The family’s pet budgie died, but their four cats survived.

Mrs Hayes praised the work of the firemen who used breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets to deal with the fire.

“It felt like forever before the firemen arrived, but it was only a matter of minutes,” she said.

Mr Cant, 37, owner of the Curl Up & Dye salon in Foghamshire, said friends have rallied round to support the family.

“Our neighbours have all been brilliant,” he said.

“Mum had told me what to expect before I got home but it was still a shock. Everything is covered in thick smoke. Between our neighbours and the fire service, we are getting there.”