The staff from Voujon in Cambridge Street, Wellingborough, leapt into action after the fire broke out just before 8pm on Wednesday while oblivious diners tucked into their meals downstairs.

Firefighters from Wellingborough and Rushden were called after roofing felt caught light, but by the time the crews arrived the makeshift firemen from the restaurant had put out the blaze by forming a chain and passing buckets from one to another to extinguish the flames.

About eight staff formed the chain and used up to 20 buckets which normally hold ingredients in the kitchen.

Voujon manager Enamum Haque said: "The restaurant was completely full when we first knew about the fire.

"We had about eight staff who went to help put out the fire on the roof.

"Some of them climbed out of an upstairs window to get onto the flat roof, from where they got onto the main roof to throw water onto the fire.

"Nobody in the restaurant had a clue about what was going on until the fire crews arrived.

"I am very proud of what my staff did.

"They were very brave because it was quite high up, probably 30 or 40ft high.

"Luckily there was not much damage and the fire was out in about 20 minutes."

Once firefighters had inspected the area and deemed it safe, it was back to the day job for the heroic staff.

A fire service spokesman said: "The fire was out when we arrived, due to restaurant staff tackling the fire with a bucket chain of water."

It is believed the fire started accidentally following work being carried out on the roof.