Donations have flooded in for the residents left homeless by yesterday's gas explosion.

The Ashford people and businesses have rallied around the occupants of four homes damaged by the blast on Mill View, which happened just before 8am.

Furniture, clothes and baby supplies are among the items that have been handed in by charitable donors.

As well as that, a fundraising campaign has been launched to support them which has proven incredibly successful.

This is welcome news to those affected, as today it was announced the four homes may have to be demolished as a result of the structural damage.

The drive has been orchestrated by relatives and friends of the families, and amplified by Ben Farnham, who runs one of Ashford's largest Facebook groups.

Mr Farnham, who was a resident for 12 years before moving to Andover, said he was shocked when he saw people discussing the incident on his group Ashford Kent Read All About It.

The 37-year-old recalls: "When you look at the pictures it's horrendous the way it happened.

"I was motivated by that to set up a JustGiving Page to try to give something back to those who've lost everything.

"I can't replace memories and photos, but I can replace items."

The fundraising page started with a target of £5,000, which Ben thought would be a struggle to achieve, but in his words "it's gone past my expectations.

"We're now beyond that and we're now going for £10,000. With more people and businesses getting involved, I think we'll reach that."

At the time of writing, the total is £5,379 and counting.

It is noted that any additional clothes and furniture that is not used by the family will be donated to charity.

To donate, or for more information, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford