A family who escaped with their lives after a fire in their home praised emergency services and medics this week.

Colin Johnston, his wife Maureen and sons Kevin, 21, and Mark, 23, fled their home in Dinorben Close, Fleet, at 5.39am on Friday.

All four suffered smoke inhalation, while Kevin also suffered burns.

Mr Johnston said the investigating officer could not determine the cause of the fire, which started in Kevin's upstairs bedroom.

“The investigating officer was still on the scene when we came back from hospital,” said Mr Johnston.

“There’s no clear cause. We were asked if Kevin is a smoker and he's not.”

Mr Johnston said he knew something was wrong when he heard Kevin coughing and calling out in his room.

“Maureen got up and he started to call out. She got to his door and smelt smoke so we all evacuated as soon as we could after that.

“We all went to Frimley Park Hospital. Kev went first and the rest of us followed, but we were discharged within a few hours.

“Kev is at East Grinstead burns unit and I see him every day.

“He’s doing pretty good and they are really pleased with his progress.

“It’s a slow thing to recover from but hopefully we'll see him out at the end of the week. At the moment we are fixing up accommodation in the Fleet area for him to come back to.”

The Johnstons have lived in the house since January 2000. Before that they had lived in Connaught Road, Fleet, since 1986.

Mr Johnston said: “We owe the fire brigade, the ambulance service, Frimley Park Hospital and East Grinstead burns unit a tremendous debt of gratitude.

“The local community support, including Fleet Baptist and Fleet Methodist churches and the neighbours, has been fantastic.”

Firefighters from Fleet and Rushmoor put the fire out.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service group manager Dave Lock said: “An investigation has begun to determine the possible cause of this fire.

“The property was fitted with a smoke alarm, but the battery had been removed.

“As a post incident precaution, firefighters have visited neighbouring properties ensuring they have working smoke alarms in place.”