The spirit and generosity of Sudbury has been praised after the community pulled together to offer heartfelt support to those affected by the fire on Sunday night.

Food, clothing, toiletries and money were last night still being donated at locations throughout the market town to help residents left homeless. A fundraising page has also been created.

South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge, who witnessed the blaze in “shock and disbelief”, said: “This is a terrible blow for the town and it will take time to recover. However, we must remember how much worse it could have been.

“We should also be grateful for the bravery of our fire service who I believe dealt with the blaze as well as could have been expected, bringing it under control in good time bearing in mind its ferocity and size.

“My praise also goes to the many ordinary members of the public who helped at the scene, but also moved quickly to show Sudbury’s natural community spirit by pulling together to launch donation appeals and so on.

“I am sure every reader will do all they can to support the charitable endeavours now under way. Sudbury was a great market town before the fire, and if we all pull together, it will emerge even stronger.”

A spokesman for Sudbury Town Council said: “The whole town has been shaken by the devastating events of Sunday evening. However it is a miracle that no-one was badly injured and a tribute to the bravery of the emergency services that there was no loss of life.

“The response from the public and other businesses in the town has been overwhelming with donations of food, clothing, toiletries and money to help those who have been made homeless.

“The Emergency Planning team at Babergh District Council has been brilliant in co-ordinating procedures and staff have been on hand all day today to speak to and reassure residents and businesses affected by the fire.

“It just goes to show what a caring town Sudbury is and people should be proud to be associated with it. We will continue to give support to everyone affected by the fire.”

Sudbury mayor Jack Owen, who is on holiday abroad, said: “The community is rallying around because that’s what Sudbury is like – it is a very close and tight-knit community.”

Richard Instance, director of AFC Sudbury, said the club is prepared to offer any help they could.

He said: “We are part of the community and this fire has been a huge shock – we want to help in what ever way we can.

“To hear that so much money has already been raised, it shows what a fantastic community we have here.

“If we can help those who have lost their homes or businesses, then we will.”