The thatched roof of 17th century Kidbrook Cottage on Budworth Lane went up in flames on Thursday night - after a spark flew out of the chimney pot.

Sub officer Eric Davies said: "It was quite a still night - a breeze normally blows sparks away.

"Thatched fires are very difficult to put out as they spread underneath to different parts of the roof after breaking out on the surface. We have a policy in Cheshire of sending out four fire engines and one special damage control unit for salvage work to thatched fires.

"I've been to nine of them and only saved two, so we were very lucky with this one.

"Thankfully, it started from the outside which makes our job easier and a woman saw the fire as she was passing by.

"If she hadn't alerted people to the situation it could have been a lot worse. But we go there quickly and managed to save three-quarters of the roof, stripping the rest right back to check it wasn't smouldering."

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