A former fireman who was almost killed when the wall of a Grove Park pub fell on him as he fought a blaze has rebuilt his life, offering doggy holidays to canines across Bexley and Kent.

Daniel Gilbert, 35, was one of 30 firefighters tackling a fire at the Baring Hall Hotel pub in Baring Road, Grove Park, in the early hours of October 13, 2011.

He had finished checking neighbouring flats before smashing the pub function room window so water could be sprayed inside when a wall crumbled and collapsed on him, fracturing his spine and causing ligament damage to his legs.

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Daniel Gilbert with dog, Dotty.

His sister, Carly McDermott said at the time: "He‘s lucky to be alive and was told that it was only because of his size and fitness that it didn't kill him."

The accident left Mr Gilbert unable to work as firefighter again.

Now, the brave father-of-two has joined forces with partner, Michelle Taylor, 32, to set up doggy holiday business.

The pair, who live in Main Road, Orpington with children Lily, five, and Ronnie, three, are new owners of the north Kent and Bexley branch of Barking Mad - a franchise which provides temporary care in people’s homes for dogs whose owners are going away.

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Michelle Taylor and Daniel Gilbert

Miss Taylor said: "It’s a doggy holiday.

"The dogs love it. Sometimes the customers say they don’t want to go home, and one host cried because she didn’t want the dog to go home.

"The hosts are not paid a lot of money - they do it for the love of the dog.

"We have had people coming back and saying they have had an awful time on holiday - the dog has had a better time than they have."

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Barking Mad hose Mick with spaniel Donald

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Their franchise is part of the nationwide Barking Mad operation, started by Lee Dancy in Lancashire after she could not find suitable care for her own dog.

It covers Gravesend, Dartford and Bexley, stretching as far as the Hoo peninsula in Medway.

For more information call 01322 252662 or email taylors@barkingmad.uk.com