The community has rallied around after a family was made homeless just weeks before Christmas when a fire devestated their home.

Firefighters were called to a blaze in the house in Walsingham Close, Great Cornard, at 3.14pm on Friday.

Crews from Suffolk and Essex got the fire under control within 90 minutes but the blaze had already ripped through the first floor and roof space of the two-storey home.

It is understood the ground floor is also smoke and water-damaged, and the family are now staying with relatives.

Neighbour Nancy Innes praised the quick-thinking of one of the affected residents, saying he helped to evacuate a number of nearby homes as there was a risk of the fire spreading.

She said: “He did really well, he was really good with everybody and did his bit to sort everybody out.

“We have got quite good fire walls so it was quite well contained thank goodness.

“I think they lost pretty much everything though, it certainly looks that way. Our thoughts are with them.”

Residents have already leapt into action in a bid to support the family of four.

A Facebook group usually used for buying and selling second-hand items around Sudbury has launched a call for donations of useful goods, replacement Christmas presents and cash to help the family, who have two children, get back on their feet.

Clive Skinner, one of the group members, said: “When I saw the post I thought this was not a good thing to happen to someone, especially so close to Christmas.

“How do they tell their two little boys they have nothing for Christmas?

“They might have insurance, they might not, but either way it will take a long time to sort out.

“We hope to get practical stuff like clothing and school uniform.

“It really seems to be gaining momentum. The people on the group are kind-hearted, and we are trying to spread the word.”

Mr Skinner said appeals to some big companies, including Tesco, Sainsburys and the Co-op, had also been a success.

Donations can be made left at Stag & Doe jewellers, in North Street, Sudbury, to be passed on to the family.

Phil Zelley, from the jewellers, said they already had a car full of donations to give to the family, and was set to make the first delivery yesterday.

He added: “It’s really great to see the community coming together at a time of crisis.

“As an example we have had a young lad of eight donate his scooter and other kids using their pocket money to buy some sweets for the boys.”