Teenage boy saves mum and brother from house fire

A teenager "took charge" and saved his family from a fire, which destroyed their rented property and left them homeless, said his mother.

Amy, 41, said the accidental blaze broke out at their home in Mold, Flintshire, on 9 November.

While she tried to fight the flames with water, she said 14-year-old Rhys "remembered fire safety tips and closed his bedroom door".

He then "dragged me out of the house" while on the phone to the emergency services, she told the BBC.

Amy said: "Rhys came out of his room and just completely took charge."

The teenager tried to get his 10-year-old brother Euan out "but he [Euan] wouldn't leave without me", she said.

"Rhys literally dragged me out of the house while he was on the phone to 999."

The mum-of-two said all of her children's photographs and memorabilia in the attic had been destroyed.

"The pictures of the children were on the floor, just destroyed, that was what broke me more than anything else," she said.

The family are now staying in a hotel until they can find new accommodation.

Amy's friend Jack Miller, with whom she runs a project supporting wellbeing through stand-up comedy called Well Funny, has set up a crowdfunding appeal to help the family get back on their feet.

Mr Miller wrote: "Amy and her two young sons have lost a lot of possessions, some of which can never be replaced.

"I understand it's a difficult time of the year but, if possible, could you help support Amy and her family at her difficult time, especially as we head towards Christmas?"

"I cried," said Amy, on hearing of the appeal. "The best thing about the comedy community is, if one of us is in need, everyone rallies together.

"The love and support from the community I gig with is really overwhelming.

"The weight is lifted from my shoulders knowing that's there."