A couple with two young children fled their blazing home in the early hours after being woken by smoke alarms.

They were alerted at around 3.40am and got out of the converted barn in Old Tree Road, Hoath, while firefighters raced to the scene.

Five fire crews battled to bring the blaze under control and prevent it spreading to neighbouring properties but the property was badly damaged.

Officer in charge, station manager, Dave Nolan, said: "Crews quickly seized control of the rapidly developing fire which was in a converted barn. We used compressed air foam to rain onto the fire to form a protective layer.

"It repelled radiated heat and prevented the fire spreading to neighbouring timber clad properties or embers sparking a blaze in a field to the rear of the property."

Firefighters spoke to the family and were able to retrieve clothing, keys and other essential items from the wreckage.

Mr Nolan added: "This family were saved by the sound of their smoke alarms. Hopefully most of us are unlikely to ever have a fire in our home but having working smoke alarms, being prepared and knowing what to do could make all the difference to you getting out alive."

The fire, which damaged two thirds of the building, was put out by 6.30am but all the surrounding properties were saved.

Neighbours helped the family throughout their ordeal and fire crews left the scene just before 9am.

The cause of the blaze is being investigated.