Community dig deep for family left homeless by fire

A community has rallied behind a family from Great Cornard who were left homeless after a house fire on Friday which destroyed their belongings.

In just 72 hours, more than 300 toys, clothes and gifts have been donated by people who wanted to help the family of four.

Three fire crews were called to the blaze, which started at the house in Walsingham Close at 3.15pm.

Concerned neighbours put out a call for help on Facebook, asking if anyone had items they could donate.

Within a few hours, the message had spread throughout the community, with offers of help from local businesses.

A drop-off point was organised at the Scout hut in Bures Road, where donations flooded in, and at Stag and Doe jewellers in Sudbury.

Owner Phil Zelley said children and adults alike were coming into the jewellers in North Street to drop off toys and clothing.

He said even youngsters had decided to spend their pocket money on gifts for the two boys, aged three and five.

Sudbury Secure Storage has offered to store the donations until the family find suitable accommodation.

A collection pot is ongoing at the Kings Head pub in Great Cornard and items can be dropped off at Stag and Doe.