It was a terribly sad day for the family (From Barry And District News)

It was a terribly sad day for the family

THE fire that rampaged through the roof of the Blue Anchor was first spotted by Julian Morgan.

The car salesman was running late as he passed through Aberthaw last Friday when he spotted an orange glow in the pub's roof thatch.

The 29-year old said: "I have always loved the Anchor, and I always look at it on my way through the village.

"I was driving a car to an auction and I was running late, but when I glanced at the pub, as I always do, I noticed a strange light along the ridge of the roof, and thought I saw sparks.

"I checked my mobile, but there was no service, so I ran to pub. I was sure there would be no-one there, but the door was on the latch.

"I ran in and there was the owner, Jeremy, and his dad, John. They were sat in front of an open fire, and I yelled at them that their roof was burning.

"Jeremy couldn't believe it. He ran outside and I picked up the phone in the bar and dialled 999. By the reaction I got from the operator, I think I was the first one to raise the alarm.

"By this time, Jeremy was up on the roof with a hose, trying to put the fire out and damp the rest of the thatch until the fire brigade arrived.

"I went across to his neighbour and borrowed a hose from there, to see if I could help. The smoke was incredible. As Jeremy was dousing the reeds with water, the wind was blowing huge billows of it."

The Rhoose Road resident, who owns a car showroom in Cowbridge, added: "I stayed there until just after 1pm.

"It was a terribly sad day. I felt so sorry for the family. Thankfully, no-one was hurt, which is the main thing."