Priceless artworks destroyed in caravan fire

A Cambridgeshire woman has had priceless works of art destroyed in a caravan fire started by arsonists, leaving her devastated by the loss.

Karen Winkworth lost the pieces of art after arsonists set fire to her caravan which was on her front driveway, storing sentimental and other priceless items from her granddad, who died 11 years ago

The artworks include paintings of Spain and Italy, which have even been the subject of exhibitions in Spain.

It was only by luck that the flames did not pass to her house and destroy her home.

Mrs Winkworth heard a noise in front of her house but could not see anything at first, and so went to bed.

"I was only reading for a couple of seconds when I looked at the window and thought 'what's all that flashing outside?'" Mrs Winkworth told the Fenland Citizen.

"I looked and the caravan was ablaze," she added.

The disaster highlights the importance of making sure caravan insurance is up to date, whether it is on the road or if it is on a driveway, not being used - although for Mrs Winkworth nothing can bring her paintings back.

06/08/2008 16:39:16