A MUM-OF-THREE says her family is lucky to be alive after a serious fire broke out in her teenage daughter's bedroom at their Worcester house this morning - gutting the top floor of the building.

Three fire engines and 17 firefighters were called to the house at around 5.30am, after the family's 13-year-old son smelt smoke coming from the attic bedroom.

Firefighters say the blaze started after a lit candle was left unattended in the teenager's bedroom while she was studying downstairs.

The teenager's mum, a teacher, aged 48, who did not wish to be named, said it was a miracle no one was hurt in the blaze at the three-storey house, in Ombersley Road.

Her son alerted her to the smoke and she raced to the attic room.

"I pushed the door open and was met by huge flames. I couldn't believe it," she said.

"I called the fire brigade and got the whole family out of the house.

Very scary

"It was very scary, but the fire service was here so quickly and they have been brilliant.

"The house is ruined though. The attic floor is completely gutted and there is water throughout the rest of the house.

"It's very upsetting, and we had just finished decorating, but the main thing is that everyone is alive and no one was injured.

"We have smoke alarms but they have no batteries in - this has brought it home to us how important smoke alarms are and I hope people will learn from what has happened to us."

It took more than an hour for the crew, who used six breathing apparatus and two hose reels, to put out the fire.

Police blocked off the busy main road between Cornmeadow Lane and Checketts Lane.

Diversions were put in place at around 7am, causing delays for many drivers during the rush hour.