Three people were forced to flee a burning Shropshire home after fire ripped through the building destroying large parts of the property.

The bungalow in Hadnall, near Shrewsbury, was severely damaged by fire, which also spread to a neighbouring property through gas pipes and wall cavities.

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Firefighters were called to Waverley Lodge at 6am yesterday.

It is believed the fire started in the pool and gym area of the bungalow, believed to be owned by a disabled man and his partner. The couple and a friend got themselves out of the property after the fire broke out.

Flames spread to Oak House, owned by Annie Home-Dodd, the chairman of the West Mid Show.

Three crews from Shrewsbury and the incident commander as well as pumps from Prees, Wellington and Tweedale fought the blaze.

Plumbers, the National Grid and other utility companies were at the houses throughout the day.

Mrs Home-Dodd and her husband Roy Dodd were woken up by the sound of cracking tiles from next door.

She said: “It has been a bit of a shock. We were woken up and Roy went to look out the bathroom window and said ‘call the fire brigade’.

“It started next door and we think it was an electrical fault. We have got smoke damage right through.

“What I can’t believe is how fire travels so fast. But nobody was injured and so we have been very lucky. It could have been a lot worse.”

Mr Dodd said: “I was scared for the house. We don’t know how the fire started yet but our first thoughts are an electrical fault. It has been a huge shock for us.”

Simon Roberts, temporary watch manager for blue watch Shrewsbury, said: “Where the fire started, there is major fire damage to the roof space and in certain places it has fallen through into the bungalow.

“There were people in the house but everyone got out. Our fire investigation team are here to investigate the cause.”

The ambulance service was originally called to the scene but was later stood down.

No-one was available to comment at Waverley Lodge this morning.

By Rebecca Lawrence