FIRE crews from Malmesbury and Cricklade were part of a 60-strong group of firefighters that were called to a fire which destroyed a cottage yesterday.

The two crews joined teams from 10 other fire stations in Wiltshire at the scene in Hodson, near Swindon, where the roof of a thatched cottage had caught fire.

Firefighters were able to create a fire break in the thatch, which prevented the blaze from spreading to the neighbouring property. Furniture and possessions were also salvaged from the ground floor of the affected cottage.

Group manager Kathy Collis praised the local community for its support throughout the day: “On such a bitterly cold morning, to have hot drinks, mince pies and other refreshments provided by neighbours and the local pub, the Calley Arms, was incredibly welcome, as was the food provided by the Plymouth Brethren.

"There has also been a huge amount of support for the affected family, and the British Red Cross emergency response team from Swindon has been at the scene to provide additional help.”

Because of the freezing conditions, a team from Swindon Borough Council’s highways department was needed first thing to grit the roads affected by the water run-off from the firefighting operation, and further gritting took place overnight.

The road through Hodson was closed for much of the day, with assistance provided by Wiltshire Police.

While the fire started accidentally, the exact cause remains under investigation.

Advice on how to reduce the risk of fire in a thatched property can be found at dwfire.org.uk/thatched-properties Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service offers free Safe & Well visits – to find out if you qualify, call 0800 038 2323.