A HAGLEY couple lost their beloved cats in a fire at their home at the weekend.

The middle-aged couple returned to find their home in Chapel Street ablaze when they arrived back from a shopping trip at 8pm on Friday May 10.

The kitchen and bathroom were destroyed and there was also some slight smoke damage to a neighbouring house.

Watch manager Mick Rowlands said crews spent two hours at the scene, adding: "It appears that the cooker had been inadvertently left on.

"The couple lost their two cats, who were their pride and joy, in the fire."