A shocked couple have described the moment their "hearts sank", after seeing a plume of smoke above their village - only to realise it was coming from their home.

James and Cally Ellis, both 61, had been walking their dogs in Southwold and, when on their drive back to Shadingfield, they noticed a plume of smoke in the direction of their house.

As they got closer to the Suffolk village, near Beccles, their curiosity turned to horror when they realised it was their garden outhouse.

Mr Ellis said: "We naturally assumed it must just have been our neighbours having a bonfire again, but the closer we got we realised it was our house."

"Mercifully we were far away when the fire broke out, but we have been told it was a horrible sight for those who witnessed the inferno," he said.

The couple have lodged an insurance claim, while the fire investigators have said the cause is currently unknown since the fire had "destroyed everything".

Mr Ellis, retired, said: "No matter what the outcome of our claim, we are going to rebuild.

"This was where we spent our summers - many summers.

"It was a wonderful outdoor eating and sitting area, we had many fond memories in the outhouse.

"My wife and I are in a state of shock, our emotions haven't hit in yet it is very surreal, I'm just relieved that nobody was hurt."

Four fire engines were called to the couples home in Shadingfield at 4pm on Monday, July 11, to extinguish the burning barn.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The dry and hot temperatures worsened the situation and made it tough for our fire fighters to extinguish the blaze."

Mrs Ellis said: "Our neighbours have been brilliantly supportive, just like during the pandemic in a tragedy like this.

"People come together with incredibly supportive words and messages, and the fire service were also fantastic.

"We are safe, the dogs are safe, nobody was hurt. I don't know how to feel about this.

"Never cry over something which will never cry over you.

"We were lucky it wasn't our home and empathise for people who have lost their home in surreal moments," she said.