A MOTHER and her two children had a miracle escape today as flames ripped through their home.

Passers-by used ladders to rescue Chelsey Chambers, 11, and her brother Todd, nine, from bedroom windows.

Their mother, Samantha Chambers, 29, managed to flee the inferno but suffered burns to her hands and singed most of her hair.

All three were taken to St Richards Hospital, Chichester, for treatment.

The children left the scene covered in soot and suffering from shock and the effects of inhaling smoke. But their condition is not thought to be serious.

Mrs Chambers' husband, Ian, 34, a roofer, who had left for work rushed back to the family home in Chestnut Grove, Bognor, after he was contacted at work by the police.

He immediately went to the hospital with his family.

Mrs Chambers' mother Lynn Clark rushed to the house from her nearby home after hearing of the fire.

She said: "I'm in a state of shock but I'm so glad they are all right. A miracle escape must be the understatement of the year."

Mrs Clark, of Hampshire Avenue, Bognor, said her daughter and Mr Chambers, known to his friends as Jock, had only recently finished decorating the house, which was gutted.

Neighbour Caroline Hammond said: "I think a gardener who lives nearby and a painter and decorator used ladders to get Chelsey and Todd out.

"It is a real shock when you think what could have happened."

The fire broke out just after 7am and the cause is being investigated.

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