A woman has returned to living in her fire-damaged house because she can't be separated from the dog that saved her.

Kim Moriarty, 47, owes her life to her dog, which woke her up when her cooker caught fire on April 11.

She told News Shopper: “It was early in the morning so I was asleep and Gem came and jumped on me to alert me to the fire in my kitchen.

“The council won’t rehome me because they can’t find anywhere that will take me and my dog. How can I just leave her? I owe her my life.”

Kim has raised the Staffordshire bull terrier since Gem was just three months old.

She said: "She has the loveliest temperament and is just a nice dog. Everyone loves her."

Kim has stayed in the fire-damaged home in Eltham Palace Road in Eltham, but she has been having health problems.

She said: "I have been very depressed living here and the doctor gave me an inhaler even though I have never had asthma."

Despite not having electricity in the damaged rooms, Kim has remained determined not to be separated from 11-year-old Gem, especially after the ordeal they both went through.

Cllr Chris Kirby, Greenwich Council cabinet member for housing, said “We offered Ms Moriarty temporary accommodation, but this was declined as she could not find a home for the dog.

“After staying with friends for a short period, we were unable to find her temporary accommodation with a landlord willing to accept the dog.

“Against our advice, she returned to her home where she has remained. We are trying to secure a permanent home for her at the earliest opportunity."

News Shopper contacted Greenwich Council about this case on October 9 but did not receive its response until yesterday (October 15).

Today, Kim informed us the council has found her a permanent home in Greenwich and she will move in with Gem on Monday (October 22).