A YOUNG family whose home was destroyed in a devastating fire over a month ago say they are struggling to find a new home.

Paul Hicks, 28, his partner Cyndi and three daughters escaped the blaze at their home in Chestnut Way after their mother passed them from a first floor window after the family had been woken by life-saving smoke alarms in the early hours of the morning.

Since then the young couple and their three daughters, Chloe, nine, Paige, six and Abby, three have spent two weeks living in a hotel but are now back at a relatives two-bedroom flat in New Milton, struggling to find a permanent home.

Paul said: "People have been fantastic and so supportive, giving us stuff to go into a new home but we haven't got a new home to go to.

"We were hoping we wouldn't have to go back to our home in Burton because my partner cannot face it. But now it looks like this may be our only option. But it won't be ready for another 10 months because it is in such a bad state."

Paul said he was told by housing association Western Challenge to contact both Christchurch Borough Council and New Forest District Council in the hope they may be able to help but has been told there is nothing available at the moment.

"It's been nearly a month and we don't know what to do. Christchurch did offer us something but that was in Poole and was totally unsuitable because the girls' school is in Burton.

"The kids have had enough upheaval without being moved nearly three times in a year.

"The situation isn't our fault but it feels like we are being punished. We just don't know what to do next", he added.

A spokesperson for Western Challenge said: "We advised Mr Hicks to approach Christchurch Borough Council as we do not have any emergency housing provisions.

"The Council told us they refused an initial offer and have been advised to contact them again for more options."