A COUPLE have been forced to cut short their holiday in Egypt after a fire destroyed their farmhouse and holiday cottage business on New Year’s Day.

Firefighters were called to Bowlees farm near Wolsingham, County Durham, on Friday night, but were hampered by severe weather.

The buildings, about a mile along a snow-covered farm track, were inaccessible by fire engines, forcing firefighters to use Land Rovers.

However, with the help of a local farmer and Emma Robinson, who dialled 999, crews saved some of Tony and Viviene Smith’s property, including two pet rabbits belonging to their nine-year-old son, Jonathan.

Mrs Smith’s eldest son, Ben Johnson, 23, said the couple were due back on Wednesday, but were desperately trying to find an earlier flight.

He said: “I’ve spoken to them on the phone and I’m not sure they understand quite how bad it is. My mam keeps asking has this and that survived, but there’s nothing left, it’s just a shell, it’s not a case of sifting through the rubble.

“The only thing that has survived is the two pet rabbits, so I suppose it’s a little something for Jonathan to come back to.”

The property previously operated as a pig farm, and was registered as the first organic farm in County Durham. But the herd of 200 rare Gloucester old spot pigs was culled during the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak after the disease reached a neighbouring farm.

Mr and Mrs Smith bought the farm in 2004 and converted the two existing holiday cottages into one luxury holiday cottage, pool and spa.

The family home is adjoined.

Firefighters attended a smaller fire on Christmas Day, but John Robson, group manager for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said the incidents appear unconnected.

The fire service and police are investigating.

Miss Robinson, 32, said she dialled 999 and waited until firefighters arrived before helping transport equipment and crew in her Land Rover.

Mr Robson said a farmer helped to supply water. He said: “Firefighters did a tremendous job under the conditions, getting water supplies and equipment up to the building, and saving what they did. We have made contact with the owners. It must be awful to come back to something like this, especially at this time of year.”