TWO former Northern Echo journalists had a narrow escape when fire tore through their honeymoon bungalow.
Matt and Karen Westcott were on the first leg of their holiday in Grootbos, South Africa, when the blaze - which started in a nearby hut - spread to the building they were staying in.
The newlyweds had television stars Chris Pontius and Steve Glover, of MTV's Jackass, to thank for their escape.
Mr Westcott, ex-deputy sports editor, and his wife, a former Darlington chief reporter, were alerted to the danger by the screams of their famous neighbours at the private nature reserve.
The TV pair, who were working on an extreme nature programme, helped Mr and Mrs Westcott to grab their suitcases before fleeing the burning building.
The couple have now put the experience behind them and are enjoying the last week of their honeymoon in Johannesburg before returning to Bermuda where they both work.
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