A COUPLE are returning home from Egypt having cut their holiday short to deal with an extensive fire at their County Durham farmhouse and holiday cottage.

Firefighters were called to Bowlees Farm, off the A689, near Wolsingham, at 10pm on Friday night and were still in attendance this afternoon.

Severe weather conditions are believed to have hampered crews getting to the buildings which are about half a mile off the main road along a farm track.

Tony and Viviene Smith bought the former pig farm in 2004 for use as a family home and holiday cottage.

The couple's son, Ben, said the buildings were empty at the time of the blaze and his parents are now on their way back from a holiday in Egypt.

Firefighters are currently investigating the cause.