A Gazette appeal to support those affected by the devastating Tannery fire has helped raise almost £15,000.

Fourteen families were left homeless after a blaze ripped through the estate on July 4, with many watching helpless as their treasured possessions went up in flames.

But the city has rallied, with hundreds of generous donations pouring into the appeal in little more than a month.

A JustGiving page attracted close to £6,000, while more than £9,000 was donated on the back of it to the Town & Country Foundation – a charitable arm of the housing association that looks after the homes.

The foundation will now allocate the money to those most in need, funding essentials such as furniture and kitchen goods as those affected attempt to rebuild their lives in new homes.

Town & Country Housing Group chief executive Bob Heapy said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the residents, businesses and organisations of Canterbury, including many churches, following the fire at the Tannery back in July.

“We would like to thank the Kentish Gazette for setting up the JustGiving page, which has allowed us to raise much-needed funds to support those families affected by the fire.

“The foundation will now be working with those families who lost everything to allocate the £14,580 raised, according to their personal needs.

“Once again, we would like to personally thank everyone for the amazing spirit that Canterbury has shown, and anyone who has contributed in some way – whether through the JustGiving site or donations of money, clothes and household items.”

Gazette editor Leo Whitlock said: “From the moment we launched our appeal we were overwhelmed by the generosity of our readers.

“The plight of those families affected by the fire obviously hit home.

“People telephoned the office to see how they could help, and envelopes started arriving with cheques and cash inside. That was on top of the online donations.

“Thank you to everyone who dug deep and donated. Your support is very much appreciated.”