A YOUNG family had a lucky escape today from a fire at their Fair Oak flat.

Eastleigh fire crews were called to the property above a parade of shops in Summerlands Road just before 8am.

The mother, two toddlers and a baby managed to make their escape down a flight of stairs outside their home, which was badly damaged by smoke.

They were taken to hospital for check-ups. It is believed that the mother was suffering from the effects of smoke.

Eight firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and under the direction of sub-officer Jim Drever had the fire, which was confined to a bedroom, under control within minutes.

The victim support unit was also drafted in from Hightown Fire Station, Southampton.

Furnishings in the bedroom were destroyed.

The charred remains were later piled up on a service road behind the shops.

Sub-officer Drever said: "One room was taken out by the fire and the flat was heavily damaged by smoke.

"The family managed to get out of the building and we did not have to rescue them."

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said that the cause of the fire was being investigated.