A CODFORD couple are trying to rebuild their lives after flames destroyed their Grade II listed cottage.

Alasdair and Stephanie Rennie and their two-year-old son live in the middle of a row of three thatched cottages but it could be a year before they are able to move back into their home.

The fire service salvaged paintings and framed photos from downstairs as well as a computer full of family holiday snaps, while the Red Cross gave the family clothing.

Mrs Rennie said: “Thankfully they got those things out before they put the water on.

“The fire service and the Red Cross were amazing, just amazing, I had no idea that sort of thing happened.

“Every so often it hits you just what’s happened; we are trying to get our lives back to as normal as we can for our son’s sake.”

The couple have lived in the village for nearly seven years and are staying with Mrs Rennie’s mother while insurers and restorers assess the damage.

Mr Rennie, who is a parish councillor, said: “I had just finished mowing the lawn and noticed wisps of smoke around the base of the chimney.

“I called the fire service, went next door to get my neighbours out and then jumped up on a ladder with a hose to try and put it out.

“With a roof that is designed to repel water it was impossible to make an impact – that’s why the firefighters had to rake the thatch off.”

Fire crews from 10 stations across Wiltshire attended the fire on Saturday evening, just before 5pm. The blaze was too far advanced for firefighters to save the Rennies’ cottage but crews did manage to save the end cottage nearest the main road.

All three families have had to find alternative accommodation.

Area fire manager Jim Mahoney, who was in charge of the incident, said: “Fires such as this one are devastating for the families affected, and we did all we could to save as many of their possessions as possible.

“The crews also did a fantastic job in preventing the fire from spreading.”