AN ASHTEAD couple have spoken of their horror after their home burned down while they were on holiday.

In January Alan and Barbara Dibble were enjoying a relaxing holiday in Spain with friends, when a phone call shattered their tranquillity.

The call informed them that the bungalow in Links Road where they had lived for the past 11 years was burning down.

Six months on, the couple, who are currently living in temporary accommodation in Epsom, have contacted the Advertiser to talk of the eventful day and how it has affected their lives since.

Mr Dibble, 67, said: "My daughter rang up and told us that everything had gone. We were in Spain and we couldn't get home because of the snow. You just can't believe it at the time. We were just lucky because we had two sets of friends with us who helped us through it.

"But we felt so helpless because we couldn't do anything from Spain and, when you have people ringing you telling you your house is on fire you've got no idea whether it is a small or big fire.

"We didn't sleep at all the last three days in Spain."

The fire, which is believed to have been electrical in origin, destroyed the most of the bungalow and its contents. Such was its severity that residents had to be evacuated from neighbouring properties for two hours.

But the Dibbles' son and daughter, Nigel Dibble and April Clifford, and their spouses were able to salvage some items from the flames.

Mrs Dibble. 66, said: "Our children were gems because they saved a lot from the flames, some of our antique furniture and photographs. They were brilliant, they stood around in the freezing cold and picked up whatever they could find for us."

Not only were the couple stuck in another country for three days but they returned to the UK with no home and with many treasured possessions lost, including their parents' old photos and their daughter's wedding dress.

Fortunately, the couple were insured and the rebuilding of their house is set to be finished in October.

Mr Dibble said: "The biggest problem that we have had here is boredom. We have nothing to do – I can't do my gardening. But the house is coming along well now and we nearly have a roof.

"I wouldn't wish what we have been through on my worst enemy. That first week must have been the lowest point that we have had."

But Mrs Dibble admits that it could have been far worse. She said: "We have had people to fall back on. If you're an old lady with no one, I would hate to think what you would do."