A MOTHER and her son were left homeless after a blaze broke out at their home, ruining birthday celebrations.

Moyra Holder of Charlotte Avenue, Wickford, had been out for lunch to celebrate her 81st birthday, but the happy occasion was cut short when she returned home to find her house on fire.

Black smoke was seen pouring from upstairs with fire crews called in to try to save the property.

Mrs Holder’s son Simon, 57, had his son and the son’s girlfriend staying in one of the bedrooms ravaged by the fire.

Mr Holder said: “It was mum’s birthday.

“What a birthday present!”.

“There was smoke coming from the bedroom where my son, Matthew, and his girlfriend were staying.

“It was also coming from the airing cupboard.

“We opened the cupboard door and there were flames and smoke everywhere.

“My son’s girlfriend called the fire brigade and we all got out. If it had been a few moments later it could have been much worse.

“I dread to think what would have happened if my son and his girlfriend were in that bedroom.”

Fire crews from Basildon and Wickford fire station were called to the house at 9pm on Sunday.

It is not yet known what caused the fire. Mr Holder said: “I want to say thank you to the amazing emergency services.

“One of the paramedics stayed longer to help us board up the windows.

“They went above and beyond the call of duty. I can’t praise them enough.”

Mrs Holder and her son will be staying with family in Billericay, but it is expected to take a while to repair the property.

Mrs Holder, who had been joined by some family from America for the birthday celebrations, said: “I’m not very good at the moment. I can’t get used to the idea.

“I went upstairs to find something for my son and I saw the black smoke.

“It could have been much worse, but no-one was hurt which is the main thing.”

Three people were treated for smoke inhalation, but noone needed hospital treatment Neighbour helps shocked family

A NEIGHBOUR took in the Holder family as they came to terms with being made homeless by the fire.

Norman Jackson, 79, of Charlotte Avenue, tried to calm them down as firefighters tackled the fire.

He said: “I heard a knock on the door at about 9.30pm and I was a bit concerned who it might be.

“When I opened the door, it was Simon with his mum, Moyra, he said ‘can you take mum in for a while?’.

“I looked out and saw the flames. They were coming from the top floor windows and going upwards towards the roof.

“I don’t think I will ever forget that sight, I’ve never seen anything like it before.

“There were two fire crews who started to do their job.

Then the rest of the family came over. I had at least 12 people in here.

“The firemen were in and out and then the ambulance crew came to check everyone.

“I was just glad to help out.

Moyra wanted to go and have a look, but we all said it was best not to, and to wait for a while.”