Bracknell

It was a typical Saturday afternoon for Bracknell Bernard and Beatrice Coxhead. The racing was showing on the television and the oil was being heated for dinner. And like many of us on a lazy afternoon they fell asleep in front of the box.

It was a neighbour who first noticed the black smoke coming from their home in Winkfield Manor, a Bracknell Forest Borough Council run sheltered accommodation in North Ascot.

Inside their cottage, Mr and Mrs Coxhead (aged 77 and 84 respectively) had woken to the fire and after the second attempt had managed to smother the flames.

Mr Coxhead said: "The smoke was unbelievable. It was incredible how much came from the oil."

The couple both suffered from severe smoke inhalation and were taken to Heatherwood Hospital for observation.

He said: "The hospital wanted us to stay overnight but we returned home that night. But since our cooking appliances didn't work Forestcare came in, talked to us and then took us to Sandhurst."

The couple were taken to Council run Broadway House in Sandhurst where they were given a guest flat and meals.

Mr Coxhead said: "I needed to be closer to Heatherwood for my hospital appointments, so the Housing Scheme Manager took us back [to Winkfield Manor] to a guest room."

The couple were grateful to return to familiar territory and especially to be reunited with their beloved cats Tammy, Tommy and Twinkle, as well as their budgerigar and fish.

Mr Coxhead said: "The cats were a little sooty but fine after the fire."

While their home in Winkfield Manor is being repaired the couple will be given temporary accommodation of a bungalow in Brackenbank. A removal company, organised by the Bracknell Council, will do the packing and take the couple's furniture to the new lodgings. An Assistant Care Manager from Adult Social Services at the Council will take them and their pets to their new home.

Mr Coxhead said: "We have been shown the bungalow and it is lovely.

"We have been treated very good by everyone. It's an accident we could have done without but these things happen.

"We can't fault anyone in the Council who have helped us. We haven't been criticised and they couldn't have been more helpful.

"We can only say thank you to every single person who have helped us."

Christine Stacey, Winkfield Manor Scheme Manager, said: "This was a terrible thing to happen to Bernard and Beatrice.

"When we realised that they could not use their kitchen we quickly sought alternative accommodation.

"They have been involved in all the decisions throughout the process and they were glad to find a bungalow in the area of their choice.

"We will continue to be in constant contact with them to ensure their needs are met."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "I am sorry to hear that Mr and Mrs Coxhead have been through such an ordeal.

"However with the support and help from the Council, they have been able to move from their damaged home into a bungalow.

"It is testament to the dedication and commitment to caring the Adult Social Services and Housing team have for the residents of Bracknell Forest.

"I wish Mr and Mrs Coxhead all the best in their new home."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council