A COUPLE have been left distraught after a fire destroyed the entire upstairs of their home just days before their dream wedding.

Gavin Armstrong and Amii Lambert, who live in Bishops Way, Catterick Village, are devastated after a fire at their home on Wednesday, May 23 tore through their property and risked the lives of their children and dog.

The couple are thankful no one was hurt in the blaze, and are determined to have a fantastic wedding day at Walworth Castle on June 4.

But the groom's suit, bridesmaid outfits and other wedding accessories have all been lost in the smoke and fire damage, and an online appeal has been set up by friends and neighbours to try and recoup some of the costs.

Mr Lambert said: "I was downstairs with my three-year-old daughter Maciie preparing dinner. My older daughter Alicia, 11, was upstairs in her bedroom with her friend Tilly with the door closed.

"The oven had been warming up, and as I opened the door the smoke alarm went off. At first I thought it was just from inside the oven but I went upstairs and saw the flames on our bed."

Mr Lambert immediately shouted for the girls to get out while he tried to put out the flames, resulting in serious burns to his body, feet and hands.

He said: "The girls thought I was joking so I had to drag them downstairs. Then I realised Maciie had gone back inside. I ran back in for her while Alicia kept hold of the dog. It was terrifying, especially being on my own as Amii was at work."

Fire crews do not believe it was an electrical fault and investigations are ongoing as to how the fire started, but it appears to have started on a bed.

The couple have an emergency appointment to get new passports in time for their honeymoon in the Dominican Republic.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/armstrong-family.