THE young family whose house in Yate was completely gutted in a devastating fire say the only thing keeping them going is the generosity and kindness of the local community.

Becky Smith, partner Ian Weaver and the couple’s four-month-old son Theo had just left their home in Edgeworth last Wednesday morning for an appointment when they received a desperate phone call informing them their house was ablaze.

Neighbours described a fireball ‘like something out of the film Backdraft’ when the fire, which was caused by clothing in a plastic basket being left on an electric hob, engulfed the terraced house just before 10am.

Becky, 27, a home carer with St Peter’s Hospice, said: “If I’m honest I didn’t really believe it.

“When we got there it was like something out of a movie, it was just mental.

“I am just grateful that me, Theo and Ian were not at home.”

She told the Gazette: “Everything is completely destroyed, from top to bottom. It is all burnt, all of it.

“We are devastated and it has been really hard getting through it. The only thing keeping us going is the fact we weren’t in there and the support from people we don’t even know.

“Obviously our friends and family have been amazing but it the support we have received from people who we have never met has been amazing.”

Becky and Ian, 35, an electrical engineer, have been inundated with donations of clothing and baby equipment but have nowhere to store anything further until they find a new home.

The couple, who had rented their Edgeworth home for several years, are now looking for a private tenancy which will accept their two cats, due to be discharged from the vets this week.

“We have managed to get everything we need immediately,” said Becky. “Now we are looking for a home but we are so grateful for all the help, donations and people just messaging to wish us well. That is what is keeping us going.”

Abbotswood Primary School, Wellesley Primary School, Tesco in Yate and local store Top Shop have all raised money or given donations to the family. A fundraising campaign, led by neighbour Stacey Oakley, has so far raised £1,841.

Becky thanked Avon Fire and Rescue Service, which sent five fire engines and a welfare vehicle to the scene.

In a message on the service’s Facebook page, she said: "I cannot thank you enough for all the hard work you done trying to save our home yesterday and ensuring everyone was safe.

"No words are enough to say thank you for saving our beloved cats and rabbits.

"What amazing people you all are and all of the people from the ambulance, police and red cross and everyone else that also helped. Thank you again we are so so grateful x"

The fire reignited several times but was eventually put out at around 1.30pm.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service is now highlighting the importance of home fire safety and is offering free home safety checks to anyone in the area. Visit avonfire.gov.uk for further information.

A fundraising campaign to help Becky and her family was launched shortly after news of the fire spread. Go to https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/stace-oakley-1