A man accused of setting fire to the family home has been remanded in custody by a judge at Swindon Crown Court.

Lawrie Osbourne is said to have started the blaze at Littleworth, Pewsey, in the early hours of Thursday October 4.

The 27-year-old faces a charge of arson with intent to endanger life in relation to the incident at the bungalow.

No charge was put to Osbourne, who gave the court his address as Cedars, Littleworth, during the brief hearing and he did not enter a plea.

He is accused of starting the blaze in the wooden frame building while the rest of the family were asleep.

Recorder Stewart Jones QC remanded Osbourne in custody to Friday December 7 when he is due to enter a plea to the charge.

The fire brigade received an emergency 999 call shortly before 6am on Thursday October 4 alerting them of the blaze.

Four appliances from Pewsey, Marlborough and Devizes attended the house supported by a water bowser.

Despite the efforts of more than 20 fire fighters the building, which was well alight by the time they arrived, was virtually destroyed.

Graham and Jenny Osbourne and their sons Lawrie and Russell escaped from the building in their nightclothes.