Just?hours after a successful opening at the Prince of Wales public house the landlord and his family were dealing with a tragedy on their doorstep.

The pub reopened on Monday, October 22nd and in the early hours of Tuesday, October 23rd a man died during a house fire almost opposite the pub.

Dr Alan Hemsley, whose parents were the victims of a house fire in Archenfield Road, Ross-on-Wye has spoken of his gratitude to the landlord and staff at the Prince of Wales pub.

Dr Hemsley told the Ross Gazette that the man who lost his life in the fire was his father. He said:?“My mother escaped the blaze and took refuge in the Prince of Wales Pub. The pub folk were amazingly helpful to mum. As a family we are horrified that mum has lost her husband of 63 years, and her home, in one night and will be eternally grateful for what the new occupants of the pub did.”

Micahel Hudson, the new landlord told the Ross Gazette that he was in bed when he heard a noise which he, at first thought was a cat crying. He eventually realised it was a woman calling help me, I cannot find my husband.”

He let her in and his mother, and aunt comforted her and called the fire service, while Michael went to look at the house. He said he saw smoke and could hear popping.

He tried to get in but the fire was too fierce and the handles on the door too hot. He said it was devastating not being able to get in. He said the lady was very distressed, she was in her 80s and told them that her husband had only just come home from hospital.

He said that the fire crews from Ross were amazing, he said they were there within a few minutes.

Mrs Hemsley stayed with the people at the pub until her family collected her. She is still staying with her son bin Cardiff but hopes to return to Ross soon.

Teresa, who is 83, and her husband, Derek Hemsley, had lived in Ross for about 15 years. Mrs Hemsley intends to return to the town, possibly to a smaller rented property until her home is fit to live in.

Her son Dr Hemsly told the Ross Gazette it has been an unbelievebly difficult time. He said:?“I have been back to the house several times trying to retreive their belongings but I will be eternally grateful for everything the people did at the Prince of Wales to help and to comfort my mother.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.