And the family praised firefighters for battling to save their pet dog which was found unconcious in the smoke-logged kitchen.

The Gratton family were asleep at their home in Lilybank Close, Matlock when a fire started downstairs, on Monday at 5am, caused by a faulty chest freezer.

The family and another of their dogs, Caddie, managed to escape safely after fire alarms alerted them to the blaze, while their Staffordshire-Dalmatian cross Twix hid underneath a table.

Firefighters carried the unconscious pet to safety and treated him for smoke inhalation, which saved his life.

Amanda Gratton said Twix was covered in black soot and had smoke coming from his mouth.

She added: "I can't thank the firefighters enough – they were brilliant. They worked for an hour on Twix giving him oxygen and water.

"If it had not been for their help and Alan Webster from the pet ambulance, we would have lost him."

Mrs Gratton said the crew also gave oxygen to their pet stick insects who had been in the kitchen but survived the ordeal.

Nick Gratton, a Matlock firefighter, phoned the service and told them to hurry as his house on fire.

He added: "We are like a big family. I'm so grateful to them and proud to be working for Derbyshire fire service."

Volunteer Alan Webster, from the South Yorkshire Pet Ambulance, stayed with Twix until he was in safe hands at the vets – where he was still being treated earlier this week.

He said: "It was quite a happy ending and I'm really glad the dog pulled through."

The family are staying with a friend while damage to their house is being fixed and neighbours have rallied round to help wash their smoke stained clothes.

Mrs Gratton said: "Everyone has been so wonderful. We have had so much help and support.

"Now we can't wait to get Twix back home."