A man has thanked generous supporters for raising more than £23,000 after his home was destroyed in a blaze.

Known only as Mark, he described the fire that ravaged his house in Bramble Avenue, Bean, as the “worst experience” of his life after he was left homeless with his partner Caroline and two-year-old daughter Molly.

Most of his possessions were destroyed as a result of the fire, which took place while the family was away visiting relatives.

In a cruel twist of fate, their crisis further deepened when their home insurance expired less than 24 hours before the fire.

But he says their lives are now back on track following a surge of financial donations from supporters which resulted in £23,053 in less than two weeks.

His friend and colleague Craig Mullett set up an online fundraising page appealing to help the family get back on their feet.

Mark wrote: “To everyone that donated, offered their love and support in this difficult time and shared our story, thank you.

"Words cannot express how grateful and thankful we are to you all.

"This fund exceeded its goal and all our expectations within hours if not minutes of being set up and we have been left truly humbled and in utter disbelief at your selfless generosity.

"As a young family, we know full well that life can be a real struggle at times and that money is a very precious thing.

"We also know that many of you who donated could barely afford to do so, but did so anyway out of the goodness of your hearts."

The page has been closed with the money put towards paying for repairs and essentials while the rest could donated to charities.

Mark added: "Once again, on behalf of my family & I, thank you for helping us get our lives back.

"You have helped turn the worst experience of our lives into something overwhelmingly positive and for this we will be eternally grateful."

Police have arrested a 21-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He has been bailed until Friday, May 15.

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