CHAGFORD firefighters received a unique demonstration on a rooftop last week by Drewsteignton resident Dave Pigeon.

Dave was showing the fire brigade how to quickly remove thatch from a rooftop in the event of fire so that it can be prevented from spreading. The demonstration took place at Neverton House in Drewsteignton.

Dave said: 'The whole idea was to come over and the fire brigade learn how to quickly and safely rip off thatch from a rooftop. I talked them through construction of the roofs, and things like the spars and crooks that hold the roof together.

I've been doing thatching for 27 years now, so I thought I could help pass on this information.'

The demonstration from Dave comes shortly after recent thatch fires damaged homes in Hittisleigh and Petrockstowe.

The lessons learned at the demonstration will help firefighters to cope with thatch fires safely and quickly.