A couple whose 15th century thatched cottage was destroyed by a fire have thanked firefighters who saved their prized possessions.

Colin and Bridget Hitchman, 66 and 69, could only watch on as flames ravaged their home in Oakley, near Diss.

More than 50 firefighters battled the blaze, which gutted the Grade II listed home in Lower Road on April 6.

In a statement they said: On Wednesday, April 6, we suffered a devastating fire at our house in Oakley.

'We would like to thank, most sincerely, the amazing fire service for their attempts to save the house and our belongings.

'The firefighters managed to salvage an incredible number of sentimentally valuable items from within the burning house. 'They also showed us great compassion during the course of this distressing event.

'The professionalism and co-operation of the firefighting teams and other support services was extremely impressive and reassuring.

'In the climate of cuts to such services the consequences of having insufficient resources to deal with a fire such as this, especially in such blustery wind conditions, could have had serious outcomes for neighbouring people and property as well.

The couple are temporarily living in another property and the cause is being investigated.

Do you want to praise 999 services? Email anthony.carroll@archant.co.uk