Thatched cottages fire 'feels like a dream'

Rob and Jenny Frankson are now living with their son after a fire destroyed their thatched cottage in Bardwell

A couple whose home was destroyed by a fire which ripped through a row of thatched cottages say they "fall to pieces every so often" when they think about what happened.

Residents living on Low Steet, in Bardwell, Suffolk, managed to get out of their homes safely as 16 crews were sent to the scene at about 16:43 BST on Saturday, 19 April.

The blaze destroyed the roofs and first floors of the terraced properties, leaving their inhabitants temporarily homeless and living with relatives or at a local pub.

Rob and Jenny Frankson, who moved into their cottage three and a half years ago, said the whole ordeal "felt like a dream and a bit strange".

Two weeks ago, they were close to completing a "really beautiful" renovation, having "put a lot of work into" it.

They are now living with their son in neighbouring Ixworth, but hope to one day be able to move back into their home in Bardwell.

The fire ripped through a row of thatched cottages in Bardwell

"It's a beautiful and amazing village with a wonderful community that has been so supportive, so I hope we can rebuild it," said Mr Frankson.

"We are coming to terms with it slowly but it is the things that catch you… you think 'Oh, I've got one of those in the cupboards', but no, I don't anymore.

"It's all those bits that have been with you for most of your life… that has been the hardest part."

Mrs Frankson said the severity of what has happened was still sinking in.

"I fall to pieces every so often, but it has been so busy that there hasn't been time to think about what is going on," she said.

"When it calms down, that is when it will really hit us."

David Ruffles, chairman of Bardwell Parish Council, has been "blown away" by the support shown by the community

Bardwell Parish Council has started a fundraiser for the families affected.

It has generated £23,000 and more fundraising events are in the pipeline, including an online auction giving people the chance to win two FA Cup final tickets.

David Ruffles, chairman of the council, said: "We are blown away with how much money has come in, and it is still coming in.

"I have been in regular contact with those affected and it is still very raw for them.

"It will be a slow job and money cannot fix everything, but we will do our best."