A COMMUNITY has rallied to support a family whose home and business was badly damaged in a fire at the weekend.

More than 25 firefighters were called to the property in Westbury Leigh just after 12pm on Saturday.

The blaze ripped through the first floor of the house by Church Lane, causing the roof to fall in.

Now local restaurant The Hollies Inn has started collecting cash and furniture to help the owners get back on their feet.

The Seals family, who have been on holiday in Greece, are believed to run a childminding business from the property.

Neighbour Joyce Houston said: “I was in my house at the time and two girls who live in the street were shouting to me to get out.

“At first I thought it was the house next door which was on fire, but then I realised it was two doors down.

"I just grabbed an overcoat and got out, I didn’t even have shoes on. All you could see was smoke and flames, and the roof just completely caved in.

“I sometimes spend the day in bed at the weekend and have no idea what is going on outside, so I am very grateful the girls made sure I got out of the house.

“If the wind was blowing in another direction it could have been a completely different story for me, we all feel very lucky not to have been hurt.”

Four fire engines from Warminster, Trowbridge and Frome were called to the scene at 12.02pm on Saturday and fought to get the fire under control.

After salvaging what possessions they could, the emergency services were forced to strip away the roof tiles to ensure the fire was completely extinguished.

Fire engines from Corsham also attended as a relief crew, and the Warminster crew went back to the scene at around 10pm for a further inspection and damp down.

British Red Cross emergency response volunteers from Swindon also attended to support those affected.

Owner of The Hollies Inn, Charles Dale-Staples, said: “The family affected are locals who we know well, and often come into the restaurant.

“We have received many donations from the community, who have all pulled together as well as people who live as far as Swindon, which is great.

“We have even had offers from removal services to help the family move to a new house free of charge.

“Together with the Justgiving page which was set up by a member of staff, we have raised around £1,100 to £1,200 so far.”

To donate please visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/laura-smith-721