Slowly back to normal after fire

He raced back from school to find his home in Hough End Avenue, Leeds, severely smoke-damaged.

But to his delight the pair named Gary and Tommy had survived and were being cared for by firefighters from Stanningley station.

The tortoises were a gift from Stephen’s father Steve after his younger brother Matthew died aged just four.

Stephen said: “My dad gave them to me to cheer me up because I was so sad when Matthew died. They are my best friends – they are like me and my brother.”

Gary and Tommy were found by the fire crew in their wooden box which was smouldering in the kitchen. picture: TONY JOHNSON