VOLUNTEERS at Mid-Cheshire Animal Welfare have spoken of their grief after a fire killed eight pets belonging to the charity's founding member.

An accidental fire in the kitchen of Pat Emerson's home claimed the lives of three dogs, three cats and two parrots last Wednesday afternoon.

Jo Malone, one of the group's trustees, said Pat was in a state of total shock and was unsure what lay ahead in the next few weeks.

She said: "Everybody here is absolutely devastated. We don't know what planet we're on."

She added: "Pat is such an amazing woman and she has saved the lives of so many animals. She'll never be the same again.

"We're all supporting her the best we can at the moment and she is staying with her daughter because her house is in such a mess.

"But it's not the property that matters to Pat, she's lost her babies."

Firefighters from Northwich and Winsford attended the property in James Street, Rudheath, at 12.15pm on April 28.

Although they managed to quickly get the fire under control, there was extensive smoke damage in the home.

A firefighter at Northwich station said: "We tried to resuscitate the animals but were unable to do so. The smoke from the fire killed them."

The fire killed Gabby, a German shepherd; Bonnie, a 20-year-old Collie; Gypsy, a 12-month-old Doberman cross; as well as cats Mama Puss, Buttons and Edison and parrots George and Coco.

Another volunteer, who did not wish to be named, said: "We don't really know what is going to happen. We're keeping the centre going but things are just hanging in the balance at the moment. We're all animal lovers here so were just devastated by what's happened."

It is believed an electrical appliance caused the fire.

gsproston@guardiangrp.co.uk