A FAMILY has been left without their possessions after fire tore through their kitchen.

A faulty toaster is believed to have caused the fire in Tithe Barn Crescent on Saturday.

Neighbours spotted the fire and called the fire brigade after fearing that someone may be trapped in the house.

The fire crew, who spent more than two hours at the address, rescued two dogs and a cat from the blaze which totally destroyed the kitchen and caused considerable smoke damage to the rest of the house.

The McCarthy family had popped into Bolton town centre and returned to find the kitchen ablaze.

Ronnie McCarthy, who is a taxi driver, has been amazed at the generosity of his customers who have helped out by donating clothes and toys for his three children.

He said: "We were only out for ten minutes and couldn't believe it when we came back and the fire brigade were in our house.

"The fire crew were very brave to rush back in for our pets. One of the dogs is blind and he was going berserk running about once they got him out.

"The worst thing is that all our clothes were in the kitchen ready to be washed and we're not insured, but we're just glad to all be alive."

The family is now staying with relatives until repairs are undertaken.