The victims of a shocking house fire which ripped through a family home in Chesham last month have thanked the community for their response after they raised almost £7,000 in aid.

Firefighters rushed to Lowndes Avenue at around 10:18am on Tuesday April 19 after receiving reports of the fire, which is believed to have started in the roof of the two storey home.

In less than 24 hours, an online donations page set up by Ley Hill resident Eleanor Garth reached over £5,000, and attracted further offers of help and donations. The total has now reached £6,830.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Eleanor Garth posted a message on the ‘OurChesham’ Facebook page this afternoon saying: "We as a family would like to thank all people that have been involved with helping us.

“Due to the devastating fire at our house we were left with nothing but thankfully ourselves.

“We are still greatly shocked and are trying to rebuild our lives. But the power of Chesham has been outstanding and truly humbling.”

To donate to the appeal visit https://www.gofundme.com/7rzvnec4. Donations can be made in person at Chesham Town Hall.