AN elderly couple has spoken of their heartache at losing a lifetime's possessions when fire ripped through their Southampton home.

Around 40 firefighters tackled the huge blaze at two neighbouring terraced properties in Sedbergh Road, Millbrook, on Saturday morning.

Great-grandparents Peter and Ivy Lacey, both 76, whose council home was wrecked in the blaze, had lived there since it was built more than 50 years ago.

They were woken by neighbours banging on the door after they noticed the fire. Their two pet cats, Sid and Sam, died in the blaze.

Mrs Lacey, a retired cleaner, said: "We could have been killed if they hadn't kept knocking.

"The fire was round the back of the house and we couldn't smell any smoke as we came out.

"We managed to get a few things afterwards, like ornaments, but not much else. There's a lot of things you just can't replace.

"All I left the house with was a nightie, a dressing gown and a pair of slippers. There's not much else.

"But people have been very good and given us a few bits and bobs."

Mrs Lacey had only returned home from hospital the day before the fire after suffering a broken arm, while her husband needs regular oxygen treatment for fibrosis of the lung.

They are now staying with the family of their daughter, Jean Hardwick, in Rustan Close, Fair Oak, while the city council finds them a new property.

Mrs Hardwick, 55, said: "It could have been so much worse.

"We did manage to get a glass cabinet out. It had a lot of things from when we used to go to Hong Kong a lot.

"But things like photos have been destroyed, including ones of my father's parents which he is upset about."

Sue Cowley, her partner Chris, and six children have been given bed and breakfast accommodation in a Totton guest house after their home was gutted.

As the fire raged, most of the people affected were given shelter in the home of neighbours Peter, 46, and Lyn Liles.

Mrs Liles said: "At one stage we had people sitting up our stairs, in the kitchen and in the living room - but you do what you have to do. The community all pulled together.

"They lost virtually everything but there have been five washing machines going to wash what they did salvage.

"They have also had clothes donated and the Red Cross were fabulous. They gave them a comfort package including toothbrushes, a comb and clothes.

"It made me feel proud of the community. I was amazed. People I never thought would pitch in did."

Anyone who can help replace possessions lost, including clothes, should contact Jamie Thompson on 023 8042 4996.