The couple, who had been living in the caravan for the past seven months while they build a new home, had just returned from a night out when the incident happened at around 10pm.

Jenny said the blaze started after a quilt was left too close to a fire in the bedroom.

Luckily she and Barry were outside the van with their German Shepherd dog when they noticed smoke. Barry rushed to see what was happening and discovered the fire in the bedroom.

He made a desperate attempt to drag the burning bed cover and mattress outside.

Meanwhile Jenny raised the alarm with her daughter Fiona Wales, who lives next door, and she rushed to the scene with a fire extinguisher and tried to tackle the flames.

"Fiona was brilliant – she almost managed to put it out," said Jenny, who also praised the Manea firefighters.

"They were very good, as they always are. They managed to save some things for me from the fire. But we have lost almost everything.

"We had a lot of new clothes ready for a holiday, there were photographs and jewellery and other items of sentimental value in the van," said Jenny.

Fortunately some of the jewellery was salvaged and Jenny is hopeful it will clean up.

She also praised villagers who rallied to offer the family support following the incident.

"People have all been very kind and helpful," said Jenny.
Barry added: "The most shocking thing is how quickly it went up. It only took a few minutes for the whole thing to go."

The couple are now hoping to move into their new house sooner than planned.