A woman who was lucky to escape with her life but lost most of her belongings after a fire in her flat has paid tribute to those who have helped her.

Veronica Tinkler and her husband Alan are living in a friend’s flat after their first-floor property in Mckinlay Court, The Parade, Minnis Bay, was severely damaged in an early-morning blaze last month.

Crews were called to the fire, which was started by a faulty part in a water tank, just before 6am.

Mrs Tinkler, 60, said: “I woke up from a deep sleep to banging on my door by my stepdaughter. She basically saved my life.

“Another few minutes and I would’ve slipped into unconsciousness.

"I walked to the door and she told me there was a fire. I turned around and saw flames – I had walked right past it.”

A crowdfunding page was set up by a member of the public to help Mr and Mrs Tinkler replace some of the essential items they lost in the fire.

So far it has raised £365 of a target of £2,500.

Mrs Tinkler said: “I had a disgusting nightie on and had grabbed my handbag. I didn’t have any of my clothes, nothing.

“My husband had gone to work so he just had the clothes he was standing up in.

“We’re staying in a holiday home which someone has let us have until they need it back later in March, and we’re looking for somewhere to stay after that until we can get back into the flat.

“Everyone has been so kind and the firemen are my heroes – not only did they put the fire out, but they were so caring and gentle.”

Six people needed medical treatment after the fire in the six-storey block of flats on February 8.

Four fire engines were called to the scene and everyone in the building had to be evacuated.

To donate to the fundraising efforts visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Joescafe