A FAMILY whose pub in Tintern was devastated by fire are thanking villagers for their "amazing" offers of help.

Gareth and Kate Owen, (pictured) along with their son Jonathan, lost everything during a fire in the living quarters of the Moon and Sixpence pub.

But it was declared: "Business as usual" only two days after the blaze by an optimistic Mr Owen, He vowed that this incident, three weeks ago, wouldn't affect loyal punters.

Jonathan, 14, described his dad as: "Like a captain refusing to leave a sinking ship." The family's dedication was shown by refusing to leave the business they have spent 14 months building up.

Until recently the family have been sleeping downstairs in the premises in sleeping bags, though not without an endless barrage of offers from locals.

"It's been amazing" said Gareth: "We've had offers from people we know and people we don't."

The fire swept through the top floor of the Moon and Sixpence pub during a Thursday music night.

When the the band stopped for a break, the fire alarm was heard and the blaze discovered.

"If it had been ten minutes later; it would have been too late and the whole lot would have gone," Mr Owen said.

After evacuating everyone from inside the pub, the family called the fire service. Two fire engines arrived soon after and four firefighters had to use breathing equipment to get into the building, although luckily the fire had been contained on the top floor. It is thought that the fire started due to an electrical fault when Jonathan's CD system had overheated after being left on standby.

Although no one was injured, the Owens were left with nothing apart from the clothes they were standing in. Jonathan's room in particular was devastated. "Everything's gone" said Mrs Owen.

"DVDs he had saved up for, birthday presents, school books and a leather jacket his brother had given to him which he was waiting to grow into."

But the determined family resolved to stay open, closing only for one day and reopening on the Saturday pulling pints and serving meals.