A FAMILY of six from Bradninch, who benefited from the support of the British Red Cross when their home was completely gutted by fire, is backing the charity's appeal for new volunteers.

Claire and Justin Lush, whose family home was destroyed by fire in July this year, have praised the Red Cross for the support they provided to the family on the night of the fire and in the days afterwards when the couple and their four children were faced with the task of picking up the pieces.

In the early hours of July 23, Justin was woken by the sound of the smoke alarm. He says: “I went downstairs to look.

"Flames were coming out of the cooker and touching the ceiling so I went upstairs and woke the children and we made our way downstairs.

"At the top of the stairs Olivia got scared and wouldn't come down so I had to take Daniel out and come back to Olivia and at that time the smoke was getting quite heavy. Once we were all out I called the fire brigade and shouted to the neighbours to get them out of bed as well.”

Claire, who was away at the time of the fire, said she is so grateful for the help of the Red Cross. She said: “We were so lucky because we had the Red Cross giving us information, the local councillor helping us and the fire service were brilliant. We're so grateful to everybody.

“If anyone reads our story and thinks they might be able to help families in a similar position in future, I hope they will get in touch with the Red Cross to volunteer because we found the support invaluable.”

Mike Burroughs from Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service said: “The Red Cross provides an invaluable service to people at a time of great emotional need and stress. As well as looking after the families it means that the fire service incident commander has one less factor to consider.”